News Release
April 11, 2025

UBCIC Denounces Outdated and Regressive Petition Filed on Behalf of Four UBC Faculty Members and Grad Student

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – April 11, 2025). The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) denounces the outdated and regressive views expressed in the petition recently filed on behalf of four University of British Columbia (UBC) faculty and a recent PhD program graduate as it relates to the inherent, human, and constitutional rights of First Nations, including rights to their lands, territories, and resources.

Among other things, the petition asserts that UBC has breached the University Act through its statements that UBC lands are on unceded Indigenous territory – statements the petition describes as “inherently political.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, commented “The statement that ‘UBC lands are on unceded Indigenous territory’ is not political – it is a fact. As confirmed by international law, Canadian law, and the laws of First Nations, First Nations in what is now known as British Columbia (B.C.) have basic inherent, human, and constitutional rights to their lands, territories, and resources; rights that have never been ceded, surrendered, or otherwise given up. In addition to being factually incorrect, to argue that First Nations in B.C. have ceded their lands is to argue against First Nations’ survival, dignity, and well-being.”

“There is absolutely no academic value in debating the validity of First Nations’ basic human rights,” continued Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President. “Those who choose to occupy their time with doing so are in no way engaged in scholarly pursuits. Such views are contrary to accepted and established law and are aimed at trying to deny B.C.’s colonial origins – they have no place in our society let alone a respected institution such as UBC.”

Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, stated “The petition is yet another example of the basic inherent, human, and constitutional rights of First Nations being mischaracterized and weaponized for political ends. UBCIC calls on UBC to vigorously defend against the petition and to continue with the good work they have begun with the Musqueam Indian Band, Syilx Okanagan Nation, and other First Nations.”

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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