Statement
August 4, 2021

UBCIC Congratulates Chief Joe Alphonse on his Appointment to the Order of British Columbia

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – August 3, 2021) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs would like to express our deepest congratulations to Tl’etinqox Chief Joe Alphonse on his appointment to the Order of British Columbia. Established in 1989, the Order of British Columbia is intended to recognize those who have served with great distinction and represents the highest honour the Province can bestow upon an individual.

Chief Alphonse is a direct descendent of Chief Anaham, the Grand Chief of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation during the Tŝilhqot’in War of 1864. His strong lineage is evident in his fierce leadership that has spanned decades, serving as a former council member and current seven-term Chief of Tl’etinqox, as well as the Tribal Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government where he has served since 2010.

As part of the Tsilhqot’in National Government leadership team, Chief Alphonse played an instrumental role in the landmark Supreme Court of Canada Aboriginal Title case, Tŝilhqot’in Nation vs. British Columbia, which affirmed that Indigenous Title and Rights stem from our pre-existing sovereignty and the connections to our lands and territories, historically and today. Following this decision, Chief Alphonse went on to successfully petition Canada for the exoneration of six Tŝilhqot’in Chiefs who were wrongly executed in 1864.

Chief Alphonse embodies the strength, courage and integrity of the Elders and Chiefs who have come before him. He has dedicated his life to advancing and upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples, within his own community and Nation and beyond, and the UBCIC celebrates his tireless efforts being recognized through this great distinction.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 250-813-3315
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer, c/o 604-842-2977

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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