News Release
November 5, 2019

UBCIC Remembers and Honours George Saddleman

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – November 5, 2019) It is with great sorrow and loss that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) received the news that our dear friend and Elders Representative, George Saddleman, Upper Nicola Indian Band, passed away. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to his family members, friends, and loved ones.

News Release
October 25, 2019

UBCIC Marches for Climate Justice with Greta Thunberg

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – October 25, 2019) Today the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) will stand and march proudly alongside Greta Thunberg and the thousands of young climate strikers who are sending a clear post-election message to our political leaders that the time for uncompromising and sustained climate change action is now. Climate strikers will assemble at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 11 a.m. before marching through downtown and hearing from special guests, including Grand Chief Stewart Philip, President of UBCIC and Greta Thunberg. 

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."

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.

News Release
September 19, 2019

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Acclaimed for 8^th 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.

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.

News Release
September 6th, 2019

First Nations Leadership Council applauds landmark CHRT ruling for compensation for First Nations children and families who were unfairly discriminated against in child welfare system

Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories/Vancouver:

The First Nations Leadership Council applauds today’s ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ordering compensation for First Nations children and youth removed from their homes by the child welfare system, and the parents and grandparents affected, including in cases where children were denied essential medical and other services. The First Nations Leadership Council views this as a major victory for human rights that must be respected by the Government of Canada, and will have a major impact in BC.

News Release

September 5, 2019

Recognition of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in BC is Fundamentally Flawed

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – September 5, 2019) Today, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) was disappointed to learn that BC, Canada, and First Nation Chief Negotiators in the BC Treaty Commission (BCTC) Process have finalized their Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in BC (the “Policy”) despite the serious infringements of human rights that it poses.

News Release
August 2 2019

UBCIC Supports the Gitanyow in their Appeal and Calls for
All First Nations’ Rights to be Respected Equally

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – August 2, 2019) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is applying for leave to the BC Court of Appeal to intervene in a critical case being advanced by the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs. In the case under appeal, Gamlaxyeltxw v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations), the Hereditary Chiefs continue to defend the Aboriginal title and rights of the Gitanyow people.

News Release

July 29, 2019

UBCIC Calls on the Government of BC to uphold Tsilhqot’in Rights and protect Teẑtan Biny and Yanah Biny

(Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, B.C. – July 29, 2019) For over two decades the Tsilhqot’in have battled to keep Taseko Mines Ltd. (TML) from destroying Teẑtan Biny and Yanah Biny with TML’s plan to create an open pit mine on a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance. Both TML and TNG have filed injunctions in B.C. Supreme Court and are in court today and tomorrow.