Latest News

March 14, 2019

Senators of Canada
The Senate of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A4

OPEN LETTER RE. Support for the Immediate Passing of Bill C-262

Dear Senators,

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is calling on each Senator of Canada to pass Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, without delay.

News Release
March 12, 2019

UBCIC Demands Fair, Equal Compensation for Day Scholars

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – March 12, 2019) A legacy of trauma and devastation inflicted upon Indigenous culture and language continues to be brushed aside by the Canadian government in its refusal to treat Day School survivors on terms equal to other Indian Residential School survivors. Day Scholars attended federally owned and operated Residential Schools during the day and returned home at night, and it is Canada’s obligation and duty, as outlined in Article 8.2 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, to provide redress for “any form of forced assimilation or integration” and any actions that deprived Indigenous people of their cultural values or ethnic identities.

STATEMENT
March 11, 2019

First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) saddened by
death of former Indigenous Youth Intern in air disaster   

Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver:  The First Nations Leadership Council is very saddened to hear of the passing of Micah Messent in yesterday’s Ethiopian Airlines disaster, that resulted in the 157 deaths, including 18 Canadians.

News Release
March 11, 2019

UBCIC Recognizes Opioid Crisis as “A State of Emergency”

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – March 11, 2019) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is demanding action by BC Premier John Horgan, Attorney General David Eby, and Minister of Finance Carole James, as well as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy, on the escalating opioid crisis that is devastating First Nations communities in BC.

News Release
March 8, 2019

UBCIC congratulates DEWC on the opening of their 24-hour shelter on International Women’s Day

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – March 8, 2019) This International Women’s Day, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has cause not only to celebrate the perseverance and indomitable strength of women who have waged and won countless battles for equal rights, but the achievements and contributions of Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre’s (DEWC).

News Release
March 6, 2019

UBCIC Continues to Support Tsilhqot’in Opposition to Drilling Permit in their Territories

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – March 6, 2019) On March 1, 2019, B.C’s Court of Appeal dismissed the Tsilhqot’in Nation’s appeal of the provincial government issued exploratory drilling permit at Teẑtan Biny (Fish Lake) and the surrounding area.

FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL WELCOMES BILL C-92: AN ACT RESPECTING FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, AND MÉTIS CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES 

(Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC – March 1, 2018) – The BC First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) welcomes today’s introduction of Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Critical aspects of this legislation are its development between federal and Indigenous partners, and that it seeks to affirm Indigenous peoples' inherent right to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.  

Communiqué de presse
Le 1 mars 2019

Les Chefs de Premières Nations en Colombie-Britannique appuient Jody Wilson-Raybould

(Territoire Salish de la côte / Vancouver, C.-B. - 1 mars 2019) Cette semaine, l’ancienne procureure générale, Jody Wilson-Raybould, a démontré son engagement inébranlable envers la justice et la vérité, des qualités qui ont fait d’elle une dirigeante forte et respectée des peuples autochtones. Devant le comité de la justice de la Chambre des communes, Wilson-Raybould a témoigné de manière succincte et méticuleuse.