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News Release
October 28, 2024

UBCIC Celebrates Historic B.C. NDP Election Victory

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – October 28, 2024) After a nail-biting week of ballot counting, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) congratulates the B.C. NDP on its unprecedented election victory and expresses optimism for a continued era of true collaboration. It is the first time the B.C. NDP has been elected for a third consecutive term, and they did so with a hard-fought 47-seat majority. This victory marks an important step toward deeper reconciliation, respect for Indigenous rights, and a shared future built on partnership and commitment to address the climate emergency.

News Release           

October 28, 2024

FNLC Condemns BC Conservative Candidate’s Racist and Demeaning Statements

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling on the BC Conservative Party to remove Marina Sapozhnikov from the party immediately. Sapozhnikov made a number of extremely racist statements about First Nations and First Nation people during an interview with a student journalist on October 19^th.

News Release
For immediate release           

October 23, 2024

More Jurisdiction, BC Representation Needed for Children and Families Agreement: First Nations Leadership Council

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) First Nations Chiefs and proxies from British Columbia gathered on Treaty 7 territory in Calgary for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly to discuss and vote on a resolution regarding the proposed draft final settlement agreement for reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. The resolution was voted down at a national meeting of Chiefs in Calgary last week: 276 chiefs and proxies opposed the resolution, while 147 supported it, with one abstention. The First Nations Leadership Council sees a need for increased representation from BC First Nations in administering the funding, as well as increased decision-making power for First Nations over child and family services.

October 7, 2024

News Release
October 4, 2024

UBCIC Calls for MMIWG2S+ Education and Violence Prevention on National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – October 4, 2024) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) calls on the provincial government and education authorities to meaningfully address the root of systemic gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people[1]. Today is an important reminder for political candidates and leaders vying to represent British Columbians that solidarity and allyship on anti-violence work and Indigenous rights requires action; performative gestures will not be enough to garner political support or stop women girls and two-spirit+ people from being targets of violence.

News Release 
October 4, 2024

FNLC Appalled by Recent Killings of First Nation  Individuals Across Canada by Law Enforcement Agencies

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is appalled by the unprovoked violence used against First Nations people by several law enforcement agencies across the country, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals in just the last month.