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.

Statement 

December 5, 2020

Arrest of Robert Riley Saunders: First Nations Leadership Council Demands Justice for his Victims

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

The First Nations Leadership Council is relieved to learn of the arrest of disgraced former social worker Robert Riley Saunders, following the approval of several criminal charges by the BC Prosecution Service, and calls to secure justice for all of his victims. Saunders was recently arrested in Alberta and remains in custody. He currently faces charges for fraud, theft, breach of trust and for uttering a forged document.

News Release 
December 3, 2020

On the Verge of Wild Salmon Extinction: FNLC Call for Precautionary Principle to be Implemented and Support Nations’ Call to End Fish Farms in Discovery Islands

From an abundance-based model, to rebuilding-based model

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) - In light of the historic low returns of Pacific wild salmon this year, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to fully implement the Precautionary Principle. Nations in the Discovery Islands are in consultation with DFO regarding fish farms in their territories and are calling DFO to protect wild Pacific salmon by revoking the licenses for the fish farms immediately.