News Release
November 13, 2024

UBCIC Mourns the Passing of Former Premier John Horgan and Reflects on the Legacy he Leaves Behind

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 13, 2023) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) mourns the passing of former Premier John Horgan and extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and all those who knew and respected him.

The UBCIC enjoyed a longstanding and dynamic relationship with Premier Horgan. When he became Leader of the Opposition in 2014, he prioritized reconciliation and worked closely with First Nations. When he became Premier in 2017, his commitment to First Nations rights deepened, sparking an immediate shift in First Nations-government relations.

We wish to highlight the profound significance of Premier Horgan’s work on advancing our inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights in partnership with First Nations in B.C. One of Premier Horgan’s first steps as Premier was to appoint Scott Fraser, a long-time ally of First Nations, as Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. This laid the foundation for UBCIC and the First Nations Leadership Council to work with Fraser and Horgan’s government to create the “Concrete Actions” document for the Commitment Document, which included a provincial legislative framework to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This collaborative work led to the development and passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), which received Royal Assent on November 28, 2019, marking a historic achievement in Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Premier Horgan provided regular updates to the UBCIC Chiefs Council and made himself available to the UBCIC Executive.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, “Premier Horgan built relationships with First Nations leaders grounded in mutual respect, sincerity, and trust. He understood that true partnerships and reconciliation require more than symbolic gestures; they need ongoing, open dialogue and meaningful action. His legacy has left an indelible impact on the future of First Nations rights in B.C., and we are committed to seeing his vision through by continuing to push for the full implementation of the Declaration Act across all levels of government.”

“Premier Horgan’s dedication to reconciliation was more than a promise - it was a vision for a better future and a commitment to building it through genuine partnership,” said Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice President. “While we had significant differences on a number of issues over the years, we nonetheless worked to find common understanding in an effort to realize our collective goals. His openness to our perspectives and his ability to listen with respect and empathy was transformative. Under his leadership, the passage of the Declaration Act raised the bar for governments across Canada and around the world, setting a standard that few could have imagined even a decade ago.”

Premier Horgan’s commitment to lasting change was evident in his creation of the Declaration Act Secretariat, led by Jessica Wood, the first First Nations Deputy Minister in B.C. Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, remarked, “In appointing Jessica Wood as Deputy Minister, Premier Horgan demonstrated his deep understanding of the need for First Nations voices in the highest levels of decision-making. The Secretariat and Jessica’s leadership are critical legacies of his that we will build on to ensure the Declaration Act is realized across every level of government—a powerful affirmation of our inherent Title and Rights.”

The UBCIC extends our heartfelt condolences to Premier Horgan’s wife Ellie and his sons Nate and Evan, and to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. His compassion and commitment to justice have left a bright legacy and a mark on this province and beyond.

-30-

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

Download PDF