News Release
January 18, 2021

Unsafe in Every Sense: Site C Dam Construction Must Be Immediately Halted

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – January 18, 2021) A new report by Premier Horgan’s special advisor on Site C provides yet another reason why this massively destructive and massively over-budget project must be stopped.

News Release 

January 13, 2021

FNLC Statements on Canada’s Decision to Continue Fighting First Nations Kids in Court

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is extremely disappointed and angered about Canada’s decision to appeal the most recent Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) Decision, which expands the eligibility criteria of Jordan’s Principle to non-status First Nations children who are recognized by their community, or who have a parent who is eligible for Indian status.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                                                 CONTACTS: 

January 13, 2020                                                                                                                                                    Tom Uniack, Washington Wild (206) 369-1252 
Joe Foy, The Wilderness Committee (604) 880-2580 
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (604) 762-1812 
Richard Brocksmith, Mount Vernon City Council Member (360) 826 2094 

International Coalition Opposing Mining in Skagit Headwaters Grows  

Nearly two years after permit proposal by Imperial Metals, opposition from British Columbia, downstream stakeholders in Washington State and Tribes and First Nations has only increased 

News Release 

December 15, 2020

FNLC Demands Urgent Action to Support First Nations Youth Transitioning Out of Care

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to take immediate action and support First Nations youth currently aging out of the child welfare system, and to commit focused resources to support our communities in bringing our members home

News Release

December 14, 2020

UBCIC Congratulates Ardith (Walpetko We’dalx) Walkem on Appointment to the British Columbia Supreme Court

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – December 14, 2020) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) offers deeply heartfelt congratulations to our friend and former long-time legal counsel and colleague, Ardith (Welpetko We’dalx) Walkem, on her appointment as Judge on the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

December 8, 2020

Dr. Bonnie Henry Provincial Health Office- Via Email: [email protected]

Dear Dr. Henry,

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is writing in support of the Wet’suwet’en Ts’ako ze’ (female chiefs) who penned an open letter on November 30, 2020 urging you to shut down industrial camps amid COVID-19 outbreaks at LNG Canada and Coastal Gaslink (CGL) facilities. UBCIC joins the Wet’suwet’en Ts’asko ze’ in their call for the province to declare oil and gas work a non-essential service, and to ensure that First Nations lives, cultures, and Title and Rights are not jeopardized by half measures that disregard the vulnerability of First Nations living in northern rural communities.

News Release 
December 8, 2020

FNLC Statement on RCY Report “Illuminating First Nations Childhood Experiences”

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) calls upon the Province of BC to immediately take action to address the serious issues highlighted in the Representative for Children and Youth’s report, “Illuminating First Nations Childhood Experiences”. Further, the FNLC calls upon all public bodies to support and execute a First Nations data governance strategy, as per the principles of OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) and in alignment with the rights of Indigenous self-determination that are embedded in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Statement 
December 7, 2020

First Nations Leadership Council Saddened by Sudden Passing of Youth Homelessness Advocate, Katherine McParland

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

The First Nations Leadership Council was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Katherine McParland this past weekend and joins the community in mourning this tragic loss. Co-founder and Executive Director of A Way Home Kamloops and the Coalition to End Youth Homelessness, Katherine was a fierce advocate dedicated to seeing all youth provided with safe and sustainable housing.