Statement
March 6, 2025

UBCIC Mourns the Passing of Kukpwi7 Mike Leach

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – March 6, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) offers our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Kukpwi7 Mike Leach of the Lillooet Tribe and Stl’atl’imx Nation. We honour and remember Mike’s decades of dedicated service and leadership, from his early work as the Co-ordinator of the Union’s Fire Prevention Programme in 1971 to his invaluable contributions to protecting and advancing Indigenous fishing rights. Mike’s commitment extended across many roles, including his time as Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Member, and Resolution Committee member, where his wisdom and passion guided the UBCIC’s work. Kukpwi7 Mike Leach’s legacy of advocacy, financial stewardship, and unwavering dedication to the rights of First Nations Peoples in B.C. will continue to inspire future generations. Finally, we take this opportunity to acknowledge Mike's strategic Leadership during the 1990 Oka Crisis. We also honour Mike’s vision and tenacity that led to the establishment of the St'at'imc Tribal Police Service.

Kukpwi7 Mike Leach’s family will bring him back home to st'at'imc territory Friday morning with his services scheduled for Saturday in T'it'q'et at the P'egp'ig'lha community centre.

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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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