UBCIC

06/21/2026

As First Nations and all Indigenous Peoples across the country celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) proudly celebrates the recent release of Why Our Lands are Not For Sale: The Inside Story of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (Why Our Lands are Not for Sale) by longtime UBCIC advocate and staff member, Mildred C. Poplar. The UBCIC honoured the publication of the book at the June 3, 2026, Chiefs Council meeting held at Shxwhá:y Village (Sto:lo Territory), while also recognizing Millie's decades of service and her invaluable contributions to documenting our collective history and helping us chart the path forward.

Blending Millie’s personal reflections with political history, Why Our Lands are Not for Sale traces the emergence of UBCIC and the generations of leaders, Elders, and community members who worked tirelessly to defend and advance First Nations title and rights. While documenting key moments in UBCIC’s history. The book also reminds readers that the issues at the heart of those struggles remain at the forefront of what we face collectively today.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “Millie Poplar has captured an important chapter in the history of our political movement and the leaders who helped shape it. As First Nations continue to assert and defend our inherent title and rights and responsibilities to our lands and waters, we are taking up the battles carried by the leaders represented in these pages and continuing the work they began. Their advocacy, unity, and determination continue to guide us as we confront the challenges of today and uphold our responsibilities to future generations. Understanding where we have come from is essential to understanding where we must go.”

Chief Councillor Linda Innes, UBCIC Vice-President said “National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to celebrate our cultures, histories, and achievements, but also deepen public awareness and understanding of the experiences and struggles that have shaped our Nations. Through Why Our Lands are Not for Sale, Millie Poplar has ensured that these stories are safeguarded and shared with future generations, while encouraging all people to learn more about the ongoing work of upholding our title and rights. This understanding and education is essential to advancing meaningful and transformative reconciliation.”

Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, concluded “From the protection of cultural heritage and sacred sites to the protection of our women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, and the recognition and implementation of First Nations title and rights, many of the issues confronted by generations before us remain at the forefront of our work. The history documented in this book serves as a powerful reminder that we have a responsibility to carry forward the work of those who came before us and to continue advocating for the rights, responsibilities, and well-being of future generations.”

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, UBCIC encourages the public to celebrate Indigenous Peoples and cultures, to learn more about the history of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and the leaders who built it, and to recommit themselves to the ongoing work of reconciliation through education, truth-telling, and action in support of First Nations title and rights.

Copies of Why Our Lands are Not for Sale: The Inside Story of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs are available online from Medicine Wheel Publishing and locally at Massy Books.

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Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

06/20/2026

We are responding to the Saw Creek wildfire (K70597), located approximately three kilometres south of Lytton. The fire is currently estimated at 100 hectares in size and is suspected human caused. Multiple BCWS crews, aerial resources and Lytton Fire & Rescue are on site with structure protection crews and additional resources enroute.

The fire is currently burning Rank 4 and 5, meaning a highly to extremely vigorous surface fire with an organized crown fire, and moderate to long range spotting. Hot and dry conditions have made fuels highly susceptible to ignition, so additional growth is expected.

For ongoing updates on travel on Highway 1 please visit www.drivebc.ca

Additional updates on this incident can be found here: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2026&incidentNumber=K70597&source=map.

06/19/2026

As companies across British Columbia adopt Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), a new paper from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), developed in collaboration with the Reconciliation and Responsible Investment Institute (RRII) and West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) sets the baseline expectations for companies to credibly call a plan a “RAP”.

RAPs are forward-looking documents used by organizations to articulate their commitments to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. As RAP development has accelerated in recent years, particularly following the 2021 discovery of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, a lack of oversight, standards and accountability mechanisms in British Columbia has raised concerns among Indigenous leaders and investors.

The paper, titled Baseline Expectations and Good Practices for the Development and Assessment of the Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) of Companies in British Columbia, provides practical guidance to improve how RAPs are designed and implemented, and ensure they include meaningful action and accountability.

The paper was supported by Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) Resolution 2024-46, and informed by engagements with First Nations rightsholders, organizations, and allies, which identified challenges and opportunities in the current RAP landscape in Canada, and aimed to understand their expectations for RAP development processes, such as alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) through integrating Indigenous values, principles and frameworks.

The paper outlines five priority areas: truth-telling, education, Indigenous rights and rightsholder engagement, economic reconciliation, and environmental stewardship. It also sets expectations for non-extractive engagement, including opt-in participation, fair compensation, long-term relationship building and accountability mechanisms such as ongoing feedback and grievance processes.

“Reconciliation cannot be performative. Far too often, we see commitments that are unclear or disconnected from the title and rights, laws, and lived realities of our people,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President. “This framework establishes a path forward that reflects the expectations of First Nations and centres Indigenous voices, values, principles, and frameworks, and provides companies with clear expectations for how to demonstrate real, measurable action grounded in meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples and alignment with the principles affirmed in the UN Declaration.”

“Companies and investors are looking for clear direction on what meaningful reconciliation looks like in practice,” said Joseph Bastien, Associate Director and Maada’ookii, Inclusive Economy at SHARE, the Shareholder Association for Research and Education, which provides secretariat support to the RRII. “This guidance helps close that gap by defining what strong, credible RAPs should include, and by reinforcing that commitments must be backed by action, transparency and accountability.”

The rapid growth of RAPs in B.C. and across Canada has underscored the need for consistent, Indigenous-led standards, and this paper provides companies in British Columbia with a new tool to ensure that First Nations voices, values, principles and frameworks are incorporated into their RAPs.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact Adam Burns, Manager, Communications at SHARE at [email protected].

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Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

06/17/2026

Dear Prime Minister Carney and Minister Thompson,

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) writes to urge the Government of Canada to uphold and fully implement the announced 2029 transition away from open net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia waters.

Wild salmon are foundational to the cultures, governance systems, economies, food security, and ways of life of First Nations throughout British Columbia. The protection and restoration of wild salmon populations remain a shared priority for many First Nations and continues to be advanced through numerous resolutions, advocacy efforts, and Nation-led stewardship initiatives across the province.

Over many years, significant concerns have been raised by First Nations, scientists, and wild salmon advocates regarding the risks posed by open net-pen fish farms to wild salmon populations. These concerns have been consistently identified through federal review processes and scientific assessments. The 2012 Cohen Commission concluded that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) must demonstrate that fish farm operations pose no more than minimal risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon, while the subsequent 2016 Auditor General report found that DFO had not sufficiently implemented these recommendations.

In the Discovery Islands decisions, the federal government applied the precautionary principle in determining not to reissue fish farm licences. Those decisions were subsequently upheld through judicial review proceedings, affirming the Minister’s authority to act in protection of wild salmon where scientific uncertainty and risk remain present. Most recently, the 2026 science statement released by the Pacific Salmon Foundation reaffirmed that the same core concerns regarding open net-pen fish farming continue to remain unresolved.

The FNLC acknowledges that the Government of Canada announced in 2024 its intention to transition away from open net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia by 2029. That announcement was clearly premised on the protection

and rebuilding of wild salmon populations and reflected growing recognition of the risks posed by open net-pen fish farms to wild salmon in British Columbia. Since that time, First Nations have participated in transition planning and engagement processes in good faith. However, there is increasing concern regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the outcomes of the final transition planning phase, the absence of timelines regarding consultation on future regulations and licensing frameworks, and indications that implementation efforts may have stalled.

The FNLC urges the Government of Canada to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the 2029 transition away from open net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia and to provide clarity regarding the status of the transition planning process, including the release of the outstanding Phase 4 outcomes and reporting.

The FNLC further calls on Canada to continue engaging meaningfully with First Nations regarding future regulatory frameworks, licensing conditions, and the development of closed containment approaches. The FNLC also notes concerns raised by the First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance regarding the potential for technology development initiatives or undefined transition approaches to effectively prolong open net-pen operations in British Columbia, undermining both the intent of the 2029 transition and broader wild salmon rebuilding efforts, while continuing to uphold the precautionary principle in all decisions affecting wild salmon and their habitats.

This work remains critically important to the long-term protection and rebuilding of wild salmon populations in British Columbia. It also represents an important opportunity for Canada to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and collaborative decision-making with First Nations.

The FNLC is requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Carney to discuss the implementation of the 2029 transition and opportunities to collaboratively advance wild salmon rebuilding as a broader Nation Building project grounded in partnership with First Nations.

On behalf of the FIRST NATIONS SUMMIT

Robert Phillips
Hugh Braker
Huy’wu’qw Shana Thomas

On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Chief Councillor Linda Innes
Chief Marilyn Slett

On behalf of the BC ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS:

Regional Chief Terry Teegee

Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

06/12/2026

Happy Birthday Joan Phillip for Vancouver-Strathcona!

06/10/2026

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has submitted recommendations to the Government of Canada regarding its engagement on proposed reforms to federal major project review and approval processes.

The proposed changes would significantly alter how major projects are assessed and approved, including changes to environmental assessment, regulatory review, and Indigenous consultation processes. Following concerns raised by First Nations, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders, the federal government has announced an extension of the engagement period until July 22, 2026.

UBCIC's submission rejects the federal government's proposed reforms to major project assessment and permitting processes as currently drafted. The submission argues that the proposals would undermine First Nations' title and rights, free, prior and informed consent, environmental protections, and Canada's commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. UBCIC calls on Canada to pause the current process and work with First Nations on a Nation-to-Nation basis to co-develop any future reforms.

UBCIC's full submission is available here: https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_rejects_proposed_major_projects_reforms

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Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

06/09/2026

UBCIC calls on all First Nations and impacted individuals to send a letter calling on Prime Minister Carney to pass Bill S-2 as amended to end the second-generation cut-off without delay! A template letter is available here: https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/end_second_generation_cut_off_template_letter

06/08/2026

Union of BC Indian Chiefs is hiring for a Policy Analyst

Click here to find out about this posting: https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/policy_analyst_8a

To look at our other postings, click here: https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/employment_opportunities

06/08/2026

Dear local governments in B.C.,

We are writing regarding our collective work to modernize the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) through the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (HCATP).

It has come to our attention that the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has chosen not to sign the Province’s required confidentiality agreement and therefore will not be fully participating in the remaining stages of the HCATP. We strongly believe that any concerns UBCM and local governments may have with the HCATP are best addressed through continued engagement and collaboration.

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) asks local governments to communicate to UBCM their desire to fully re-engage in this vital work.

The HCA has not been substantively updated in 30 years and is widely recognized by First Nations, archaeologists, and heritage professionals as being inadequate to prevent irreversible harm to sites and places of profound cultural and spiritual significance to First Nations. Across B.C., First Nations continue to experience the destruction and disturbance of their burial sites, sacred places, and cultural belongings under a legislative framework that does not respect First Nations’ basic human and constitutionally protected rights, or the Province’s commitments and obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

UBCM has acknowledged the need for modernization and reform. Public statements from UBCM throughout the HCATP have reflected shared concerns regarding inconsistent processes, uncertainty regarding risk, implementation challenges, and the need for clearer legislative tools and guidance. UBCM has also raised questions regarding implementation timelines, operational capacity, permitting processes, and the practical application of proposed reforms. These are important issues that should continue to be addressed through constructive dialogue and the highest level of ongoing engagement.

While First Nations, UBCM, and other participants in the HCATP may not agree on every aspect of the proposed reforms or related process, there remains broad recognition that the existing HCA is outdated. The HCATP represents a vital opportunity to work together to create a more respectful, transparent, and effective framework for heritage protection in B.C. Achieving this requires First Nations being meaningfully involved in decisions affecting our ancestors, belongings, territories, and cultural heritage, while improving clarity and predictability for local governments, proponents, and others involved in development and land-use planning.

We recognize that UBCM and local governments have concerns regarding the Province’s required use of confidentiality agreements in the HCATP. FNLC and First Nations have

also expressed concerns regarding the Province’s required use of confidentiality agreements in the HCATP and other legislative initiatives. However, it is currently the Province’s standard procedure to use confidentiality agreements when confidential information, such as cabinet confidential policy and legislation-related materials, is shared with partners. The Province’s requirement is not unique to the current government or the HCATP.

Despite this, to facilitate broader information sharing and transparency and to gather further feedback from First Nations, local governments, and stakeholders on proposed changes to the HCA, the Province produced a non-confidential Technical Policy Paper which includes a significant level of policy detail. With the public release of this paper, the Province has enabled broader access to detailed policy materials than previous governments. Participants have therefore had access to substantially more information and engagement opportunities throughout the HCATP than has historically been made available during legislative development processes of this nature.

UBCM and local governments fully participating in the HCATP provides the best opportunity to shape outcomes, improve implementation, and ensure concerns are heard and addressed. A modernized HCA can support more informed decision-making, reduce conflict and uncertainty, strengthen relationships between First Nations and local governments, and help prevent harm before it occurs.

Many local governments across B.C. have worked hard to build respectful relationships with their First Nations neighbours and understand the importance of protecting cultural heritage and ancestral sites. We acknowledge and commend those efforts and the local governments that have chosen to engage in this work in good faith. The protection of ancestors, burial sites, sacred places, and cultural belongings is not solely a First Nations issue, it is a shared responsibility that reflects the collective values and interests of all British Columbians.

Again, the FNLC asks local governments to communicate to UBCM their desire to fully re-engage in this vital work. Together, we will advance long-overdue reforms that better protect cultural heritage while supporting clearer, more respectful, and more effective processes for everyone involved.

We look forward to continuing this important work together without further delay.

FIRST NATIONS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

06/05/2026

Tonight- please share!!! Mildred Poplar's book release "Why Our Lands Are Not For Sale: The Inside Story of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs" from 6-8pm, at the Museum of Vancouver, Joyce Wally Room.

Come listen to Mildred introduce the book and get your copy signed. Museum of Vancouver Medicine Wheel PublishingMassy Books