First Nations hopeful new B.C. government's pledges are more than 'hollow words'

First Nations leaders in British Columbia say they are hopeful the commitments being made towards reconciliation by the new provincial government will be different than the manydisappointments of the past.

First Nations Summit Grand Chief Ed John says he is encouraged byPremier John Horgan's pledge to govern based on the principles setout in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and toincorporate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls toaction.

He says the province's willingness to acknowledge the underlyinglegal right to land and title held by First Nations also gives himhope the government's promises are more than just hollow words.

Chief Judy Wilson says she'soptimistic but she's heard these words before and will startbelieving them only once she starts seeing First Nations people as afixture at the table with government leaders.

Horgan says true reconciliation starts with genuine respect and that all of B.C. stands to benefit by listening to the "knowledgeof millennia" held by Indigenous Peoples.

Members of B.C.'s New Democrat cabinet and Aboriginal chiefsgathered in Vancouver for the fourth annual leaders' gathering.

About 560 people are registered for the two-day event, includingmembers from the Green and Liberal caucuses.