Latest News

Statement

November 2, 2021

UBCIC Remembers the Incomparable Lillian Howard for her Strength, Kindness, and Lifetime of Advancing Indigenous Causes

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – November 2, 2021) It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) marks the passing of Lillian Rose Howard, a beautiful and courageous friend, leader, warrior, and community member from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation, who at one time worked for the UBCIC with Grand Chief George Manuel. As an admired community leader and advocate for Indigenous, social, and environmental causes, Lillian dedicated her life to cherishing and protecting the lives of Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women and girls. UBCIC mourns the loss of Lillian, who leaves behind an incomparable legacy of hope and inspiration for those fighting to end systemic discrimination, and who was the pillar of her community – an endless source of wisdom, strength, and kindness. We offer our deepest condolences to her beloved family, friends, and community members.

News Release
October 29, 2021

FNLC Disgusted as Canadian Government Continues to Deny Fighting First Nations Children in Court while Filing an Appeal that States Otherwise

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is disgusted, yet not surprised, to learn of Canada’s decision today to appeal the Federal Court ruling of Justice Favel that upheld the rulings of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to compensate First Nations children, and their families, for the “willful and reckless” discrimination that incentivized the forced removal of thousands of First Nations children from their families and underfunded child and family services in First Nations communities.

News Release
October 28, 2021

UBCIC Calls for Phasing Out of Fur Farming in B.C. Amid Continued Public Health and Animal Welfare Concerns 

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 28, 2021) In solidarity with the many organizations and members of the public who oppose the unsustainable and inhumane mass breeding and farming of wildlife species for fur, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs continues to call upon the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries to advance the full phasing out of the fur farming industry in B.C., giving full consideration to the many pressing COVID-19 related health risks and ethical concerns.   

News Release
October 25, 2021

UBCIC Calls on BC to End the LNG-Fracking Industry in Response to Climate Emergency

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 25, 2021) With less than two weeks before the COP26 UN climate conference in Scotland, the dark shadow of Canada and BC’s climate record looms large – Canada has had the highest emission growth of the G7 countries since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016, and BC’s aspirations to expand Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and fracking operations continue to thwart efforts to meet or exceed the province’s outdated legislated  emissions targets. With the climate crisis disproportionately endangering the lives and cultures of Indigenous peoples, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is urgently calling upon the provincial government to stop investing in LNG and fracking expansion, and to implement crucial measures that will support the just transition to a clean-energy economy.

Statement
October 20, 2021

UBCIC Remembers Beloved Kluskus (Lhoosk’uz) Leader and Trailblazer Chief Roger Jimmie

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 20, 2021) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Roger Jimmie. A former leader of the Kluskus First Nation, UBCIC mourns not only the loss of an incredibly fearless Warrior in our endless battle to realize a full measure of our Indigenous Title and Rights, but a loving father and grandfather. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and community members and we remember Chief Roger Jimmie’s incredibly rich and full life.

October 13, 2021

The Honourable John Horgan
Premier of British Columbia
Via email only: [email protected]

The Honourable George Heyman
BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Via email only: [email protected]

Open Letter: Overhaul of CleanBC to reflect climate emergency

Dear Premier Horgan and Minister Heyman:

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), comprised of the political executives of the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN), First Nations Summit (FNS), and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), writes to express our deep concern with the direction that the Province is heading with respect to our climate commitments, and the need for urgent action that reflects the climate emergency.

News Release 
October 7, 2021  

Boost Vaccination Rates, Save Lives: UBCIC Urges First Nations and British Columbians to Get Vaccinated  

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. October 7, 2021) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is issuing an urgent and critical call for First Nations and all British Columbians to get their full COVID-19 vaccinations immediately. Lagging vaccination rates and unvaccinated individuals are continuing to cause COVID-19 infection and hospitalizations rates to climb, placing enormous, preventable stress upon hospitals and health-care resources, and threatening the lives of those who are unable to be vaccinated, including children under 12.

News Release

October 4, 2021

Vigil for MMIWG2S: Holding Space on National Day of Action to Empower and Support Families Seeking Justice

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 4, 2021) To mark the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people (MMIWG2S), the Indigenous Women’s Council will be holding a safe, socially distanced vigil on October 4, 2021, at Vancouver City Hall. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is honored to support the vigil, which will provide healing space for Indigenous women, girls, two-spirited individuals, and allies to come together in solidarity and strengthen their unwavering resolve to hold Canada accountable for the epidemic of violence founded in centuries of cultural genocide and institutionalized racism. UBCIC is proud to have Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, speaking and supporting family members at the vigil, and UBCIC continues to be thankful for the immense work and resilience of all participants and organizers of the event.