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. 

“I am honored to be speaking alongside Greta who has provided a voice for the millions of youth around the world, inspiring a generation to take up arms against the governments and corporations who would privilege greed and wealth over the future of our children and the fate of our planet. I thank Greta for inspiring a global movement to hold those in power accountable, and for being an ally for Indigenous peoples seeking climate justice. Indigenous peoples throughout Canada are some of the most affected by climate change; we have had to endure flooding, droughts, wildfires, and water shortages, deprived of adequate resources, all while fighting to have our Title and Rights recognized and respected,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. 

Chief Don Tom, Vice-President of UBCIC, stated, “The march and rally today symbolize the unity, strength, and kinship that is needed in moving forward to achieve climate justice in Canada. We need to stand together with our youth and those marginalized to take substantive and immediate action to save our planet. Rectifying the devasting effects of climate change also means that the province’s actions must align with the scientifically-approved greenhouse gas reduction targets identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that are needed to meet the global 1.5-degree temperature target. We expect the Province to adjust their existing targets accordingly as they review the Climate Change Accountability Act.”

“Climate justice necessarily includes the implementation of Indigenous Title and Rights and acknowledging the important role First Nations have in being Caretakers of the land and water. We want to send a clear message to Trudeau’s minority government that the need for climate action does not stop post-election,” concluded Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of UBCIC.  “First Nations in B.C. will continue to hold BC and Canada accountable for their actions. We will continue to defend our unceded lands and territories from the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project and other greenhouse gas emitting infrastructure and projects that fundamentally contradict the principles of the CleanBC Climate Action Plan. Climate leaders do not build or invest in pipelines that not only stand to have devasting environmental repercussions but undermine Indigenous Title and Rights, Trudeau has taken a contrary path. Today we march with the youth, for our future generations, and for our Indigenous peoples globally.”

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Media inquiries:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of UBCIC: (250-490-5314)
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President of UBCIC: (604-290-6083) 
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of UBCIC: (250-320-7738) 

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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