June 1, 2021

URGENT: Cancellation of UBCIC Chiefs Council (Virtual) Meeting on June 2-3, 2021

Dear Chiefs Council, sister organizations, and friends:

In light of the recent announcement and confirmation by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Leadership that 215 Indigenous children were found in an unmarked burial site at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is cancelling its June 2-3, 2021 Chiefs Council meeting out of respect for the Nations, community members, survivors, and loved ones who are trying to heal and process the irreparable harm and destruction inflicted by Canada’s cruel colonial regime. We will host a Chiefs Council meeting soon for discussion on the Kamloops Indian Residential School and resolutions.

We encourage all Chiefs Council members and delegates to take care of themselves and each other. In these difficult and sorrowful times, we stand together in solidarity and strength, and we pray for all missing and undocumented children, their families, and survivors. Supports can be found on the FNHA website and below:

• 24-hour KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717
• Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society at 1-888-403-3123
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 or 604-985-4464

We will be in touch shortly with next steps, and we greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.

On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS

[signature in original]

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip          
President     

Chief Don Tom     
Vice-President              

Kukpi7 Judy Wilson
Secretary-Treasurer

Download PDF