First Nations leaders are condemning Premier David Eby’s plan to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, or DRIPA, as a step backward that will increase uncertainty for all British Columbians and create political problems for the NDP.

“To say we are frustrated or angry would be an understatement,” said Robert Phillips, First Nations Summit leader, at a Friday news conference. “This is a historical moment for First Nations and we will not back down.”

Eby has said suspending sections of DRIPA before the legislature breaks for the summer is necessary because of litigation risks the province faces.

Huy’wu’qw Shana Thomas, Lyackson Hereditary Chief and a member of the First Nations Summit Task Group, accused the premier of fearmongering and making unilateral decisions.

“We suggest that it is in the best interest of all British Columbians to ensure that reconciliation with the inherent rights and title of First Nations people is reconciled with the assertion of Crown sovereignty,” Thomas said. “That is something that is the unfinished business of Confederation in the province of British Columbia.”