FNLC Comments on Rising Number of Indian Residential School Burial Sites
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.
Read moreOPEN 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
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.
Read moreFNLC Congratulates Nuu-chah-nulth – Demands more from Canada on First Nations fisheries recognition
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.
Read moreUBCIC Remembers and Honours Hereditary Chief Ron George (Tsaskiy)
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.
Read moreUBCIC Calls on Canada to Resolve Ongoing Pain and Destruction Inflicted by Colonialism
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.
Read moreUBCIC Statement of Condolence on the Passing of Leslie Pinder
News Release
June 18, 2021
UBCIC Statement of Condolence on the Passing of Leslie Pinder
((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – June 18, 2021) It is with shock and profound sadness that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) learned of the sudden passing of Leslie Pinder on June 12th. Leslie was a lifelong friend of UBCIC who made incredible strides for the recognition and respect of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous Rights across Turtle Island throughout her lifetime.
Read moreFNLC Celebrates Passing of Bill C-15 in Canada’s Senate
News Release
June 17, 2021
FNLC Celebrates Passing of Bill C-15 in Canada’s Senate
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is pleased with the passing of Bill C-15 – An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Senate of Canada. Bill C-15 is a much-anticipated legislation that will now become enshrined in Canadian law and will begin a transformation in the relationship between the government of Canada and Indigenous peoples.
Read moreFNLC Sickened by Findings in Ombudsperson’s Report “Alone: The Prolonged and Repeated Isolation of Youth in Custody”
News Release
June 16, 2021
FNLC Sickened by Findings in Ombudsperson’s Report “Alone: The Prolonged and Repeated Isolation of Youth in Custody”
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is appalled to learn of the disturbing and cruel conditions faced by young people in BC’s youth custody centers, including the use of prolonged solitary confinement measures, with almost no oversight and accountability, and note that a disproportionate number of these youth are Indigenous and also in the care of the child welfare system.
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