Indigenous human rights recognized in B.C. law with new legislation
Indigenous human rights recognized in B.C. law with new legislation
VICTORIA - Legislation introduced Oct. 24, 2019, creates a path forward to recognize and uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples in B.C.
"Today's legislation is a crucial step towards true and lasting reconciliation," said Premier John Horgan. "With this new law, Indigenous peoples will be part of the decisions that affect them, their families and their territories. Together with Indigenous peoples, we're going to build a better future with good jobs and opportunities for people, strong environmental protections and healthy communities that include everyone."
Read moreMarch and Rally Demanding All Political Parties Make Accountability, Action and Justice for MMIWG a Priority
News Release
October 20, 2019
March and Rally Demanding All Political Parties Make Accountability, Action and Justice for MMIWG a Priority
((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 20, 2019) Today the Coalition on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (“the Coalition”) will be gathering at Victory Square to march and rally for justice, action and accountability. On the eve of the federal election, the Coalition is sending a clear message to all political parties that regardless of whom forms government, the implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice is a priority.
Read moreFirst Nations Leadership Council Angered and Disappointed with Canada’s Recalcitrant Appeal of CHRT Ruling
News Release
October 7, 2019
First Nations Leadership Council Angered and Disappointed with Canada’s Recalcitrant Appeal of CHRT Ruling
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.)
The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) of British Columbia expresses our profound frustration and deep concern with the decision on October 6, 2019 by the Government of Canada to seek judicial review of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision in First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and Assembly of First Nations et al. v. Attorney General of Canada (for the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada), (2019 CHRT 39). This appeal is of a critical ruling on compensating First Nations victims of discrimination in the child welfare system due to their suffering wilful and reckless discrimination as a result of an underfunded and poorly coordinated child welfare system. The appeal filed by Canada on October 6, 2019 seeks to quash the order of the Tribunal and is a step backward.
Read moreFNLC Celebrates Orange Shirt - Every Child Matters Day to Honour Residential School Survivors
News Release
For Immediate Release
September 30, 2019
FNLC Celebrates Orange Shirt - Every Child Matters Day to Honour Residential School Survivors
Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Traditional Territory/Vancouver: Today, all leaders and staff of the First Nations Leadership Council (UBCIC, BCAFN and FNS) are wearing Orange Shirts to honour and recognize survivors of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is a day of affirmation for survivors and their families to let them know that we are here to support them and remember those who are no longer with us. All Canadians are encouraged to participate as an act of reconciliation toward restoring relationships between Canada and First Nations.
Read moreGrand Chief Stewart Phillip Acclaimed for 8th Term as President of UBCIC
News Release
September 19, 2019
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Acclaimed for 8th Term as President of UBCIC
((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – September 19, 2019) Yesterday Grand Chief Stewart Phillip was re-elected by acclamation to President of Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) for another three-year term, a position he has served for the past twenty-one consecutive years.
Read moreUBCIC Congratulates Squamish Nation on BC Court of Appeal Decision to Send TMX back for Environmental Approval
News Release
September 17, 2019
UBCIC Congratulates Squamish Nation on BC Court of Appeal Decision to Send TMX back for Environmental Approval
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – September 17, 2019) Today, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) celebrates the significant blow that has been dealt to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX). The BC Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Squamish Nation, determining that the Provincial Environmental Assessment Certificate issued for the TMX was premised on the fundamentally flawed National Energy Board Report, thereby necessitating the Province to reconsider the environmental conditions and approval issued for the TMX.
Read moreFirst Nations Leadership Council recognizes the cessation of “Birth Alerts” as first step of many to end the traumatizing practice of hospital removals
News Release
September 16th, 2019
First Nations Leadership Council recognizes the cessation of “Birth Alerts” as first step of many to end the traumatizing practice of hospital removals
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories/Vancouver:
The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) applauds the Ministry of Children and Family Development for their decision and announcement that they will be ending the longstanding practice of “Birth Alerts,” but is clear that this is only the beginning of what is necessary to end the traumatizing practice of hospital removals for First Nations children and families.
Read moreThe Next Session of Parliament Must Prioritize Protection and Fulfillment of the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples
OPEN LETTER TO ALL CANDIDATES IN THE FEDERAL ELECTION
The Next Session of Parliament Must Prioritize Protection and Fulfillment of the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and numerous reports by international human rights bodies have all documented the profound and tragic harms that have resulted from Canada’s colonial laws and policies. Ongoing adverse impacts include denial of Indigenous systems of governance, jurisdiction and laws; dispossession of lands, territories and resources; the ongoing tragedy of Indigenous lives brutally cut short; essential opportunities denied to Indigenous children and youth; and the lack of adequate financial and other assistance to maintain and revitalize Indigenous cultures, traditions and languages in the face of continued threats.