News Release
February 13, 2023

UBCIC Remembers Billy Two Rivers

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 13, 2023) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) would like to acknowledge the passing of Kahnawà:ke Elder Billy Two Rivers, 87, and extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community.

Billy Two Rivers had a long and impressive career. He first made his impact on the professional wrestling world travelling the world, collecting championships, and competing for 24 years and then as a representative on the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke's Council of Chiefs for 20 years; he was a political activist and critical resister for the Mohawk during the Oka Crisis at Kanehsatà:ke. His name and persona have also infiltrated popular culture, appearing on film, TV, documentaries, and in music and literature.

In 1990, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, helped erect blockades in BC in solidarity with the Mohawk at Kanehsatà:ke. We thank the Mohawk peoples for your resistance, your advocacy and giving others the courage to resist colonization and we thank the family and community for Billy Two Rivers for aiding us in this fight.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-608

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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