Latest News

News Release
July 8, 2021

UBCIC Celebrates National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, First Woman Elected as National Chief!

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – July 8, 2021) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) congratulates RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation as the first woman elected as National Chiefof the Assembly of First Nations. National Chief Archibald has made significant contributions during her 31 years in politics, serving her community as the first woman and youngest Chief of Taykwa Tagamou Nation at 23 years of age, the first woman and youngest Deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation as well as Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council, and as the first woman to be elected as Regional Chief of Ontario.

Statement
June 30, 2021

UBCIC Chiefs Council Concludes Meeting to Advance Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation for Stolen Children of Indian Residential Schools

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – June 30, 2021) Today the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) held a special political forum, with the support of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, to focus on and advance actions around the remains of the 215 children found buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS), and to discuss the overarching issue of missing children and unmarked burials and mass graves that impacts all First Nations in BC and across Turtle Island.

News Release
June 25, 2021

FNLC Comments on Rising Number of Indian Residential School Burial Sites

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) mourns with the Cowessess First Nation following their announcement of the preliminary finding of 751 unmarked graves located near the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. The FNLC extends its deepest condolences to the Nation, and to all communities, families, and peoples impacted by the growing numbers of confirmed gravesites at Indian Residential Schools sites across Turtle Island in the area of Kanáta (Canada). Countless unidentified and missing children were laid to rest in these graves – they deserve recognition, accountability, and justice from those who sanctioned and condoned the genocide that stole their lives.

June 24, 2021

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Via Email Only: [email protected]

OPEN LETTER: UBCIC Calls for the Immediate Resignation of Carolyn Bennett as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations following Racist, Demeaning Message to Indigenous MP Jody Wilson-Raybould

Dear Minister Bennett,

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is deeply disturbed and disgusted by the extreme callousness, spite, and ignorance you have shown through the racist message you sent to MP Jody Wilson-Raybould on Twitter, and is calling for your immediate resignation as the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

News Release
June 24, 2021

FNLC Congratulates Nuu-chah-nulth – Demands more from Canada on First Nations fisheries recognition

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) — The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) congratulates the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations of Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Tla-o-qui-aht and Mowachaht/Muchalaht in their steadfast and ongoing defense of their fishing rights. The Government of Canada recently decided to end more than 15 years of fisheries-related litigation against the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

Press Release
June 24, 2021

UBCIC Remembers and Honours Hereditary Chief Ron George (Tsaskiy)

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – June 24, 2021) It is with profound sadness that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) marks the passing of Ron George. A Hereditary Chief, Tsaskiy, of Wet’suwet’en descent, Ron was a prolific lifelong advocate for Indigenous peoples across BC and Canada, as well as a cherished friend and ally of UBCIC. UBCIC remembers Ron for his indefatigable drive, his courageous soul, and his integrity and wisdom – all of which he channeled into his fight against the oppressive, colonial systems that sought to strip Indigenous peoples of their identities and cultures.

Press Release
June 21, 2021

UBCIC Calls on Canada to Resolve Ongoing Pain and Destruction Inflicted by Colonialism

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – June 21, 2021) This National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) calls on Canada to repudiate the colonial processes, principles, and frameworks it continues to uphold, and to hold itself accountable for its legacy of colonialism, racism, and denial.