Latest News

August 6^th, 2020

NOTICE TO BC FIRST NATIONS

RE:    Notice of certification and proposed settlement in Robert Riley Saunders Class Action

Dear Chiefs and Leaders,

On July 14, 2020, the Riley Saunders class action was certified in BC Supreme Court and a proposed settlement agreement, pending court approval, was reached on behalf of all victims of disgraced former social worker Robert Riley Saunders. As this information may impact some of your community members, we kindly request that you assist in sharing this information broadly to ensure all victims are notified.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rights Groups Call for Names of VPD Officers Engaged in Misconduct during Street Check Review Ride-alongs

August 6, 2020, (Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, BC) - BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), and Hogan’s Alley Society are releasing a second letter from the provincial Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) regarding the UBCIC and BCCLA’s complaint regarding the Vancouver Police Department’s practice of street checks.

Dear UBCIC Chiefs Council and friends,

We are writing to share the sad news that long-time UBCIC friend and legal counsel Roshan Danesh, has just lost his son. Darwyn Danesh was born on May 15, 2004 and passed on July 22, 2020 at the young age of 16 years old. Darwyn was a happy and engaged youth who enjoyed going to school, going on long drives, and chocolate milkshakes. He lived with Downs Syndrome and autism as well as a chronic heart condition. He is survived by Roshan, Cathy (mom) and Mary (older sister).

WHAT: The Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Health Justice, and BC Civil Liberties Association are hosting a press conference urging the provincial government to withdraw Bill 22. Bill 22 proposes amendments to BC’s Mental Health Act to create a new form of detention and involuntary health care in BC for youth who have experienced an overdose.

Statement
July 24, 2020

UBCIC Statement: Call for Non-Violence in Light of Planned Rally Opposing Indigenous Land Defenders

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – July 24, 2020) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) calls for peace and non-violence in advance of a planned rally this Saturday “to reclaim the North Thompson Valley” and confront the Tiny House Warriors, a group of Secwepemc land defenders protesting the ongoing expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline.

NEWS RELEASE
July 24, 2020

First Nations Leadership Council requests that BC withdraw  Bill 17 – Clean Energy Amendment Act (2020)

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) — The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is requesting BC withdraw Bill 17 – 2020 Clean Energy Amendment Act, 2020 pending sufficient consultation and consent by BC First Nations and proper alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Media Release
July 22, 2020

First Nations Leadership Council Statement on Connor Sutton and Anti-Indigenous Racism in BC’s Health-Care System

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.): The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) extends our compassion and support to Connor Sutton, his family, friends, and the T’Sou-ke Nation community. In yet another deplorable and senseless act of anti-Indigenous racism, Connor has been denied respectful care and support for more than a month. His quality of life has been severely impaired by a health-care system that institutionalizes and perpetuates the systemic racism that runs rampant in our country.  

News Release
July 22, 2020

Lack of Planning in Bill 22 Would See Increased Drug Fatalities for Indigenous Youth in the Midst of Opioid Crisis

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – July 22, 2020)  Indigenous rights, health, and civil liberties organizations are extremely alarmed that the Province of BC remains committed to pushing Bill 22 through the Legislative Assembly. Bill 22 proposes a number of amendments to the Mental Health Act that raise numerous concerns about the dangerous impacts on the health, safety and rights of youth. The organizations are deeply disappointed and discouraged by the lack of engagement with advocacy groups, health professionals, and impacted parties. Further, the lack of consultation with Indigenous peoples, most directly impacted by this bill, is a complete contradiction to the principles of BC’s own Declaration Act on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.