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NEWS RELEASE
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
British Columbia Assembly of First Nations
First Nations Summit

New accord on child well-being signed by First Nations Leadership Council, Province

VICTORIA – The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Province have signed a child well-being accord that recommits how the parties work together to support First Nations children and families.

September 13, 2024

News Release 

On 17th Anniversary of UN Declaration, FNLC Calls for Ongoing Implementation of Groundbreaking Legislation

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Today, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) marks the 17^th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), a pivotal moment in the global recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights, with significant current threats in the provincial context.

Statement

September 6, 2024

UBCIC Saddened by Passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – September 6, 2024) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is deeply saddened by the passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, a remarkable leader whose dedication to her community and commitment to justice, equity, and Indigenous rights will leave an incredible mark on all. She was the first female Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and was a warm and principled leader. We will remember her work advocating for First Nations people in Manitoba and fostering unity among Indigenous nations. Grand Chief Merrick's legacy of wisdom, courage, and compassion continues to inspire us, and her absence will be felt across the communities she so fervently served. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Manitoba, all who mourn her loss.

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News Release 

September 5, 2024

John Rustad’s Interview with Jordan Peterson Another Example of BC Conservatives Taking Aim at Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Earlier this week, BC Conservative Party leader John Rustad gave a lengthy interview to notorious right-wing podcaster Jordan Peterson where Mr. Peterson suggested that Indigenous governments can’t be trusted- the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is asking why Mr. Rustad is aligning himself with those views.

News Release
August 29, 2024

BC Conservative-Liberal Bizarre Reunification Scheme Threatens to Accelerate the Destructive Impact of the Climate Crisis and Dangerously Undermine Human Rights

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – August 29, 2024) On Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Falcon unexpectedly suspended the BC United campaign and threw support to the BC Conservative Party (BCCP). The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is warning the public that the BC Conservative campaign poses a critical threat to human rights and stands to accelerate the climate emergency.

News Release
August 27, 2024

UBCIC Urges Public to Watch SUGARCANE: a Poignant Documentary about Residential School Truths 

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – August 26, 2024) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) applauds the breathtaking documentary SUGARCANE which investigates the history of abuse and missing children at the former Residential School St. Joseph Mission. For more information about SUGARCANE and to buy tickets for screenings across North America, click here.

News Release 
July 31, 2024

Mixed Verdict in Dale Culver Case:  A Call for Indigenous Justice and Accountability

(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC) – On July 25, 2024, at the Prince George Courthouse, Judge Adrian Brooks announced a mixed verdict in the tragic death of Dale Culver, a member of the Wet’suwet’en and Gitksan Nations. Constable Arthur Dalman was found guilty of obstructing justice, and co-accused Sergeant Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz was acquitted. The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) stands with Dale Culver’s family and the respective communities who have been struggling for justice and answers for his violent death.

News Release
July 29, 2024

Stop Alaskan Interceptions on Non-Alaskan-Origin Salmon! UBCIC Calls for Action

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – July 29, 2024) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is calling upon the governments of Canada and British Columbia to acknowledge and take immediate action on the severe impacts of Alaskan interceptions on non-Alaskan-origin salmon. UBCIC calls upon the governments of the United States of America, Canada, Alaska, and British Columbia to work together through multilateral cooperation to fully ascertain the impacts of Alaskan interceptions on non-Alaskan-origin salmon populations and to account for all catches and discards.