06/10/2026
"The British Columbia government has launched its inaugural Anti-Racism Action Plan, alongside $3.1 million in new funding for Indigenous-led violence-prevention initiatives.
The plan aims to dismantle systemic barriers that racialized and Indigenous people face across 17 core ministries and agencies.
The strategy outlines 37 measurable commitments between June 2026 and May 2028, targeting deep-seated inequities in health care, employment, education, the legal system, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
Coinciding with the seventh anniversary of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) final report, the province also earmarked $600,000 of its new funding to pilot a Missing Indigenous Person Notification system.
“Initiatives like a missing Indigenous person notification system are critical and must be developed with Nations to ensure they reflect local realities and needs,” said the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN).
“TFN welcomes the province’s commitments to address systemic racism and improve safety, and looks forward to working in true partnership to deliver results on the ground.”
A core pillar of the province's safety strategy involves shifting resources toward community-driven initiatives, including a First Nation safety officer program and the expansion of the Path Forward Community Fund.
“We know that Indigenous-led, culturally grounded approaches are the most effective at improving safety, health and community well-being,” TFN noted.
The provincial plan also addresses documented discrimination within B.C.’s health-care and justice systems. The plan acknowledges that independent data shows this has historically deterred racialized individuals from seeking timely care or reporting crimes.
Actions include establishing a new centre for anti-racism and cultural safety within the Ministry of Health and setting mandatory learning expectations for health-care workers.
The plan also calls for adapting chronic-disease programs and supports to better reflect the needs and experiences of racialized communities.
“Addressing racism in health care and the justice system is key to rebuilding trust and ensuring our members feel safe accessing services,” TFN stated. “Provincial plans must translate into meaningful, day-to-day improvements for our members.”
To maintain accountability, individual ministries will be required to regularly monitor progress, with the first public update scheduled for release in September 2027.
Looking to the future, TFN emphasized that continued action is needed to ensure Indigenous children and youth are supported, connected to culture, and able to succeed without barriers.
The Nation pointed out that sustained financial support is necessary.
“Long-term, flexible funding for Indigenous-led programs is essential to create lasting change, not short-term or one-time initiatives. TFN looks forward to seeing clear progress, measurable outcomes, and transparency as these commitments are implemented,” the Nation concluded."
