Statement
September 15, 2023

UBCIC Celebrates the Life of Councillor Rick Gilbert, Williams Lake First Nation

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – September 15, 2023) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Wiliams Lake First Nations Councillor Rick Gilbert, who passed on September 11, 2023.

Rick was an incredible individual whose calm, wise and supportive presence made him an invaluable friend and colleague, and a source of advice to his community. Rick is a survivor of the Cariboo Indian Residential School (CIRS), also "St. Joseph's Mission" and the Sugar Cane Day School. He was married to his beloved wife Anna for 24 years. Rick was devoted to the wellbeing of his community and worked tirelessly to advocate for justice and redress for historical losses it experienced. Most recently, his dedication contributed to the resolution of WLIB’s village site specific claim, which Rick helped to achieve through a long and difficult journey. His humour and kind heart were greatly appreciated at the UBCIC Chiefs Council meetings, where he and Anna would regularly attend together. We will deeply miss his presence, and send our heartfelt sympathy to Anna and the Gilbert family.

We are especially grateful that Rick published some of his life stories for all to share, and we encourage everyone to enjoy his words and photos: https://www.rickgilbert.ca/.

The service will be held on Thursday October 5^th at 11am at the Sacred Heart Church. Following the service, there will be a procession to the Chief William Pow Wow Arbor at 1pm for a traditional ceremony, feast, and lahal.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca 

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