News Release
February 25, 2025

UBCIC Honours Nir’kus’chin, Steve Basil

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – February 25, 2025) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is deeply saddened with the recent passing of Nir’kus’chin, Steve Basil, a deeply respected and beloved Secwepemc leader from Bonaparte First Nation, and former UBCIC staff member between 1977-1981. Steve’s unwavering commitment to First Nations rights, sovereignty, and stewardship of the land left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “I had the privilege and good fortune to have known Steve Basil since he was a teenager. I watched him take instruction and learn from many Traditional Knowledge Keepers, Spiritual Leaders and Land Defenders. Over his lifetime, he became a very important Traditional Leader in his own right. He was our friend, spiritual advisor and our Son. Joan and I will miss his presence, and we will honour his life, support his partner and family, and remember his teachings.”

Steve’s passing has left us with profound grief and cherished memories of a man whose heart was as vast as the lands he sought to protect. Though this loss is immeasurable, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit remains with us, guiding our work and strengthening our resolve. Steve embodied the teachings of our ancestors, living his beliefs fully and fearlessly advocating for First Nations self-determination, sovereignty, and the recognition of our title and rights, and became an influential figure whose wisdom, passion, and integrity inspired many. He held multiple roles for UBCIC including producing the UBCIC film “Hat Creek.” He was a humble and strong man as he spent the past thirteen years engaging in cultural and spiritual support work, cultural enrichment, language revitalization, coordinating land-based healing and food gathering in the traditional territories throughout British Columbia. 

Louise Mandell K.C., friend and colleague, stated “Steve’s contributions to UBCIC were a gift of spirit and love. He was unshakable in his belief that British Columbia is First Nations land, that sovereignty is inherent, and that First Nations were placed here by the Creator to be stewards of the land. It was his sheer conviction that it was his responsibility to protect Mother Earth, and to feed people, and ensuring the well-being of his people was unwavering. Whether standing with those victimized by colonization or those resisting it, Steve was always there, leading with kindness, conviction, and a powerful sense of justice.”

His impact extended beyond advocacy. Steve’s humor, strength, and collaboration helped shape monumental movements, including the Constitutional Express, a defining moment in the recognition of Indigenous rights in Canada. Today, as we mourn his passing, we imagine a powerful reunion on the other side—a gathering of ancestors, with the late Derek Wilson drumming him over, singing the Constitutional Express song, welcoming Steve home. Steve’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to guide us.

As fate would have it, he chose a momentous day to journey onward, the day the Big Tide title agreement was ratified on Haida Gwaii—a fitting tribute to his life’s work.

To his loving partner Janice who is a cherished member of our UBCIC family, to his three daughters, and to all his family and friends, we extend our deepest condolences. Though we may be apart, we are together in spirit, carrying Steve’s light forward in the work we do.

The UBCIC will forever honor Steve Basil’s legacy. His love for his people, his land, and his unyielding pursuit of justice will remain a beacon of strength for generations to come.

Steve’s family held a wake and fire, followed by a funeral. He was buried at Bonaparte Cemetery on February 21.

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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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