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News Release           

November 29, 2024

FNLC Celebrates 5^th Anniversary of Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Today the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) recognizes and celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), a critical step forward in the ongoing journey of reconciliation in British Columbia. Five years ago, this landmark legislation was brought forward and brought to life, positioning B.C. as the first province in Canada to integrate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into its legal framework and represents a commitment to uphold the inherent rights of First Nations. As we reflect on the progress made, we also reaffirm our dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that the voices of First Nations communities guide our path toward a more equitable and prosperous future for all British Columbians.

News Release
November 28, 2024

UBCIC Alarmed as B.C. and Canada Appear to Choose Sides in Territorial Dispute Between Nations

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 28, 2024) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs expresses its shock and concern that Canada and British Columbia have chosen to support Nisga’a Nation in seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in order to appeal the B.C. Court of Appeal’s decision dismissing Nisga’a’s attempt to become a party defendant in Gitanyow Nation’s Aboriginal title case.

News Release 
November 19, 2024

FNLC Shocked by Horrendous Treatment of 16-Year-Old First Nations Girl at Guildford Town Centre

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is outraged by the mistreatment of a 16-year-old Cree girl by Paladin Security employees at the Guildford Town Centre on the unceded traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations in Surrey, B.C.

News Release
November 13, 2024

UBCIC Mourns the Passing of Former Premier John Horgan and Reflects on the Legacy he Leaves Behind

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 13, 2023) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) mourns the passing of former Premier John Horgan and extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and all those who knew and respected him.

November 7, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Gender justice groups urge BC government to repeal harmful name change ban
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Vancouver, unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) homelands–

Gender justice groups from across the province are calling on the BC Government to repeal Bill 26 the Name Amendment Act (No 2) 2024. The bill changed the Name Act, restricting access to legal name changes for many British Columbians.

News Release
November 6, 2024

UBCIC Calls on the Vancouver Park Board to Halt the Planned Eviction of CRAB Park Residents

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 6, 2024) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) strongly condemns the Vancouver Park Board’s planned forced eviction of residents at Crab Park and stands firmly against this inhumane action, which reflects a violent disregard for human rights.

News Release
November 4, 2024

UBCIC Mourns the Loss of Mazina Giizhik, Murray Sinclair: Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation Leader of Our Time

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 4, 2024) Mazina Giizhik (the one who speaks of pictures in the sky) Murray Sinclair, Anishinaabe leader, former judge, Senator, and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has died at age 73. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) mourns the tremendous loss of Mr. Sinclair who has been monumental in guiding this country on its path to reconciliation.

News Release
October 31, 2024

CEDAW Committee Urges Canada to Take Immediate Action and End Discrimination Against Indigenous Women

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – October 31, 2024) Members of the Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group (the Working Group)[1] including the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Ontario Native Women’s Association, the Feminist Alliance for International Action, Quebec Native Women and leading plaintiffs in the court and UN petitions that have challenged Indian Act sex discrimination, welcome the recommendations issued to Canada on October 29, 2024 by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee).