Latest News

News Release
March 1, 2022

UBCIC Stands in Solidarity with Ukraine and all Ukrainian People

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – March 1, 2022) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is proud and deeply honoured to stand in complete solidarity with Ukraine and all Ukrainian peoples in the face of the brutal warfare that Russia is waging.

News Release
February 28, 2022

UBCIC Remembers Kukpi7 Robert Shintah, Former Vice-President, and Honours his Indomitable Spirit and Lifetime of Political Leadership

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 28, 2022) It is with great sadness and much love in our hearts that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) marks the passing of Robert Shintah, a courageous and dear friend, leader, Chief, advocate, colleague, and community member from Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation. Known as Kukpi7 or Grand Chief Robert Shintah in his community, Robert was recognized for his kindness and passion that he channeled into his prolific political leadership.

News Release
February 24, 2022

UBCIC Stands with Family of Monica Jack as her Murderer Appeals Conviction

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 24, 2022) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) strongly and vehemently opposes Garry Taylor Handlen’s appeal of his conviction for the 1978 rape and murder of twelve-year old Monica Jack of the Lower Nicola Indian Band in Merritt, BC. Supporters of Monica’s family and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl advocates watched Handlen’s appeal over Zoom on January 18^th, condemning his appeal and uniting in solidarity against his release. This case points to a disturbing reality: convictions for crimes committed against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ individuals are a lengthy, traumatizing process, and attempts to exonerate the guilty only undermine justice and re-traumatize the victim’s family and loved ones. UBCIC calls for action and implementation of the Calls for Justice and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to fully protect women and children in the wake of ongoing and increasing violence.

Statement 
February 24, 2022

First Nations Leadership Council Statement on Violence in Wet’suwet’en Territory

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

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is concerned with recent reports of violence and acts of vandalism in Wet’suwet’en territory at the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.

News Release
February 18, 2022

Canada Ceases Public Financing of TMX; Costs to Reach $21.4 Billion

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 18, 2022) The Trans Mountain Corporation has announced that the cost to build the beleaguered Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) has nearly doubled to $21.4 billion in the two years since the last comprehensive update. Subsequently, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) was encouraged to hear the Government of Canada’s announcement that it intends to discontinue public financial support for TMX.

Kukpi7 Judy Wilson Statement: Their Spirit Lives Within Us.

My name is Kukpi7 Judy Wilson and I am proud to serve as Chief of Neskonlith Indian Band and Secretary Treasurer for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. I would first like to start by expressing my deepest regrets for being unable to attend the 31st Annual February 14 Women’s Memorial March in person. My heart and spirit are with you, and I acknowledge the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to introduce new and unforeseen distances and challenges we have had to bridge and overcome. However, in a time of social distancing and masks I believe that we are even more connected here today. We are all united by the deep gratitude, respect, and love we are paying to every survivor, ever family member, every single person touched by the crisis that has stolen the lives of our women, girls, two-spirit and trans people, but never our resilience and strength.

February 10, 2022

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Via Email: [email protected]

URGENT OPEN LETTER: Call for Immediate Action to End Dangerous Freedom Convoy

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau:

The so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ is dangerously transitioning from an occupation of Parliament to an escalating national insurrection.

News Release        
February 8, 2022

First Nations Leadership Council Strongly Condemns “Freedom Convoy” Movement Across Canada and its Spread of Misinformation, Racism, and Violence

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The so-called “Freedom Convoy” is legitimizing false opinions and misinformation regarding COVID-19 that put the health of all Canadians in danger and is rapidly fueling hatred and anger. The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling on leaders and citizens to stop supporting those dangerous messages and take action.