News Release
April 15, 2025

UBCIC Statement of Support for Xatśūll First Nation’s Legal Action Against Mount Polley Mine Expansion

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – April 15, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) stands in unwavering solidarity with Xatśūll First Nation in its judicial review challenge against the Province of British Columbia’s reckless approval of the Mount Polley Mine Tailings Storage Facility dam expansion—an approval granted without an environmental assessment and in direct contravention of B.C.’s legal obligations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).

Xatśūll First Nation is courageously defending their inherent title and rights and territory while protecting the integrity of their lands and waters. The UBCIC fully supports their demand for accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to environmental and Indigenous rights laws.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “The provincially approved expansion of the Mount Polley Mine Tailings Storage Facility dam expansion is not just a local issue—it’s a warning siren across the province. This government cannot claim to uphold reconciliation while approving environmentally hazardous projects without consent, consultation, or proper assessment. Xatśūll’s action is an action for all First Nations and future generations.”

“The Province’s current decision demonstrates a clear failure to implement the Declaration Act in good faith,” stated Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President. “We support Xatśūll First Nation’s efforts to uphold their rights and stop yet another catastrophic mistake from happening on their land. Free, prior, and informed consent is not optional—it’s a legal and moral obligation.”

Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer concluded, “Since the 2014 Mount Polley disaster, the worst mining disaster in B.C. history, Xatśūll First Nation has shown extraordinary strength and resilience in seeking justice and protection for their territory. The UBCIC Chiefs Council has stood with Xatśūll through the aftermath and recovery—and we will continue to stand with them now as they oppose yet another unacceptable risk to their land and waters. UBCIC calls on the Province to immediately halt any further work on the Mount Polley dam raise, withdraw its approvals, and meaningfully engage with Xatśūll First Nation as equals under the principles of free, prior, and informed consent.”

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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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