Latest News

March 15, 2022
First Nations Leadership Via email only

Open Letter: Investment in the TMX Poses Significant Financial Risks for First Nations

Dear First Nations Leadership:

Recent announcements that the new cost of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) has ballooned to $21.4 billion, and that the federal government will not invest further public funds into the project should be a major red flag for anyone considering economic participation or ownership of the controversial pipeline, which is also delayed by at least one year.

News Release 
March 9, 2022

New Graduation Requirement a Powerful Commitment to a more Inclusive and Equitable K-12 Education System

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is celebrating the March 4th announcement by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the BC Ministry of Education introducing a new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement for secondary students in BC schools beginning in the 2023-2024 school year.

News Release
March 8, 2022

Leading and Inspiring with Power: Honouring the Strength of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People on International Women’s Day

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – March 8, 2022) International Women’s Day (IWD) is not only a reminder to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women around the world, but a critical call to support and protect the sacred roles, responsibilities, and rights of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. This IWD, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) honours Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people who are driving forward change and calls upon the public and governments around the globe to support their mission to achieve equality and dismantle all systems and frameworks that perpetuate colonial and gender-based violence.

News Release
March 1, 2022

UBCIC Stands in Solidarity with Ukraine and all Ukrainian People

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – March 1, 2022) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is proud and deeply honoured to stand in complete solidarity with Ukraine and all Ukrainian peoples in the face of the brutal warfare that Russia is waging.

News Release
February 28, 2022

UBCIC Remembers Kukpi7 Robert Shintah, Former Vice-President, and Honours his Indomitable Spirit and Lifetime of Political Leadership

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 28, 2022) It is with great sadness and much love in our hearts that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) marks the passing of Robert Shintah, a courageous and dear friend, leader, Chief, advocate, colleague, and community member from Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation. Known as Kukpi7 or Grand Chief Robert Shintah in his community, Robert was recognized for his kindness and passion that he channeled into his prolific political leadership.

News Release
February 24, 2022

UBCIC Stands with Family of Monica Jack as her Murderer Appeals Conviction

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 24, 2022) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) strongly and vehemently opposes Garry Taylor Handlen’s appeal of his conviction for the 1978 rape and murder of twelve-year old Monica Jack of the Lower Nicola Indian Band in Merritt, BC. Supporters of Monica’s family and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl advocates watched Handlen’s appeal over Zoom on January 18^th, condemning his appeal and uniting in solidarity against his release. This case points to a disturbing reality: convictions for crimes committed against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ individuals are a lengthy, traumatizing process, and attempts to exonerate the guilty only undermine justice and re-traumatize the victim’s family and loved ones. UBCIC calls for action and implementation of the Calls for Justice and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to fully protect women and children in the wake of ongoing and increasing violence.

Statement 
February 24, 2022

First Nations Leadership Council Statement on Violence in Wet’suwet’en Territory

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.)

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is concerned with recent reports of violence and acts of vandalism in Wet’suwet’en territory at the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.

News Release
February 18, 2022

Canada Ceases Public Financing of TMX; Costs to Reach $21.4 Billion

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 18, 2022) The Trans Mountain Corporation has announced that the cost to build the beleaguered Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) has nearly doubled to $21.4 billion in the two years since the last comprehensive update. Subsequently, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) was encouraged to hear the Government of Canada’s announcement that it intends to discontinue public financial support for TMX.