UBCIC

Are you interested in First Nations' international advocacy?

We are looking for First Nations, especially youth aged 18-35 and women, to attend our two full day workshops on methods to advance Indigenous Title and Rights through international advocacy

Apply here:
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

Cowichan decision is ‘rock solid law’, won’t affect private landowners, UBC expert says - UBC News A new UBC analysis says the Cowichan decision is grounded in solid law and does not threaten private landowners, outlining pathways for fair, forward-looking solutions.

UBC expert says the Cowichan decision is grounded in solid law and doesn’t put private property at risk.

In this Q&A, he explains the evidence and what fair, forward-looking solutions could look like.

Read more ⤵️

After three days at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, Our Gathering has come to a close. Thank you for everyone who made the journey to the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, and we wish everyone safe travels home.

"The courts have upheld the need for deep consultation with First Nations, and the ambitious timeline proposed for major projects in B.C. will be impossible without that deep consultation.” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip www.fnlc.ca/first-nation...

📢 80+ civil society leaders from faith, labour, enviro, legal, academic and arts communities are standing together for human rights and reconciliation—calling on #BCgov to recommit to implementing not amending #DRIPA. #bcpoli #IndigenousRights

Read the statement: wcel.org/DeclarationAct

UBCIC Announces Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer and Active Member Appointments Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

UBCIC looks forward to working with the newly appointed Executive members as they continue to advance First Nations title, rights, and self-determination throughout British Columbia. www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_announ...

Declaration Act is Not a Threat to Private Property: Clarifying False Linkages in the Media Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"The tension that persists between the co-existence of Aboriginal title and other land ownership in B.C. is a direct result of this inaction and the Province’s refusal to adequately address the consequences of that inaction over the last century and a half." www.ubcic.bc.ca/fnlc_declara...

Are you a First Nations youth interested in climate action, land stewardship, or environmental justice?

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is inviting youth to take part in the Uplifting Youth Climate Leaders Project (March–Apr 2026).

Apply by: Feb 17th

www.surveymonkey.ca/r/FPCNB8F

Federal Court of Appeal Upholds Discovery Islands Fish Farm Decision: A Victory for Wild Salmon, Indigenous Rights, and the Precautionary Principle Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"The Court’s decision recognizes that protecting this corridor is essential to the survival of wild salmon and to the cultures, food systems, and laws of our peoples. This is a critical step forward in the fish farm transition process." Chief Dalton Silver www.ubcic.bc.ca/federal_cour...

"When governments recognize jurisdiction and manage resources in partnership with Indigenous Nations, we see more joint ventures, Indigenous equity, and durable benefit agreements. We also see fewer conflicts when terms are negotiated before companies invest millions."

FNLC Congratulates Tahltan Central Government, Tahltan Nation, and the Province on Eskay Mine Decision, Emphasizes Importance of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"The momentous accomplishment of TCG and the Province is further proof of what we have known to be true since the Declaration Act’s unanimous passing in 2019" Grand Chief Stewart Phillip www.ubcic.bc.ca/fnlc_congrat...

FNLC Condemns Recreational Fishing Lobby’s Racist Campaign Against First Nations and their Fishing Rights Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"The assertion that First Nations rights are taking away from the general public is a dangerous and false narrative that is fanning the flame of discrimination in BC and across Canada. We won’t stand for it and expect that the Crown will not stand for it either" GCSP www.ubcic.bc.ca/fnlc_condemn...

OPEN LETTER: Indian Residential School Denialism Event at UBC Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"Residential School denialism proliferates under the guise of academic freedom and freedom of speech, and promotes white supremacy, racism, and misinformation which should not be permitted in public institutions." www.ubcic.bc.ca/ol_indian_re...

UBCIC Deeply Disappointed with B.C.’s Decision to End Decriminalization Pilot and Calls for Return to a Public Health Approach Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"By ending the decriminalization pilot, the Province is failing to treat addiction as a public-health issue, not a criminal one, and is doubling down on policies that have already caused immense harm to First Nations." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_deeply...

The Minister’s Advisory Council on #IndigenousWomen is accepting applications to fill two vacancies. Council members influence decision-making to improve quality of life for Indigenous women in B.C. and much more.

www.bcpublicsectorboardapplications.gov.bc.ca/s/noticeofpo...

Indigenous Youth Champion of the Year:
Recognizing an outstanding young Indigenous leader who is inspiring change, breaking barriers, and demonstrating courage. This award celebrates youth who are shaping the future through innovation, leadership, and shared prosperity.

UBCIC text in background, text reads: Congratulations to Katisha Paul. Right is a picture of Katisha Paul in a ribbon skirt, and green cardigan, looking to the camera lens.

UBCIC congratulates Katisha Paul, UBCIC Youth Representative, who won the Indigenous Youth Champion of the Year award at the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase last night! UBCIC is extremely proud and inspired by Katisha and her incredible work.

Did You Know? Sex-based discrimination in the Indian Act divides families, disrupts traditions, and limits access to essential rights and entitlements. See how this impacts First Nations women and communities across Canada.

BC First Nations Perspectives and Positions www.ubcic.bc.ca/bc_first_nat...

UBCIC Objects to Canada’s Latest Addition of B.C. LNG and Related Resource Developments to Major Projects List Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"The government must stop using legislation to silence our voices and start working with us toward a sustainable and just future." Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_object... #bcpoli

Budget 2025: Canada Fails to Fulfil Duties To Resolve Specific Claims Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"Delays in the specific claims process expose Canada to litigation, reputational damage, and political instability, and create risks to planned infrastructure and ‘Nation-building’ projects. Underfunding does not contain Canada’s liability – it escalates it" www.ubcic.bc.ca/budget_2025_...

UBCIC Recognizes 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and Calls for Strengthened Action to Protect B.C.’s Rivers of Ice Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

Chief Marylin Slett “Governments must step up to ensure that glaciers, which are sacred to so many of our peoples, are studied, protected, and respected as part of our shared responsibility to future generations.” www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_recogn...

Did You Know?

The Indian Act still discriminates against First Nations women and their descendants. Laws like Section 6(1) and 6(2) limit rights and create inequalities.

Learn how these rules impact families and communities today.
www.ubcic.bc.ca/ia_second_ge...

www.ubcic.bc.ca/comments_on_...

“Now more than ever, it’s critical we know and understand the only path forward for all British Columbians is reconciliation” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip at the 10th First Nation Leadership Gathering, happening today and tomorrow. news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...

First Nations Leadership Council Call for the Immediate Resignation of MLA Dallas Brodie Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"We are extremely upset by MLA Dallas Brodie’s ongoing efforts to publicly cast doubt on the experiences and truths of residential school survivors. We urge the Province to make a significant and urgent investment in public education around Indian Residential Schools" www.ubcic.bc.ca/fnlc_call_fo...

Heiltsuk chief blasts Canada's policy on Indian status in UN speech | CBC News Heiltsuk Elected Chief Marilyn Slett has called on Canada to do away with what's known as the second generation cut-off, a rule that, in many instances, prevents First Nations people from passing on I...

Chief Marilyn Slett calls for changes to second generation cut-off in address to discrimination committee: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Did You Know?
First Nations women have led the fight against discrimination in the Indian Act for decades. From Mary Two-Axe Earley to K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett at the United Nations, their courage has paved the way for change.

Explore their stories below
Honour Timeline: www.bcafn.ca/sites/defaul...

FNLC Appalled by John Rustad’s Alarmist Rhetoric Respecting Aboriginal Title and Fee Simple Private Ownership Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

“To be clear, it is Rustad’s selective discriminatory rhetoric that is a threat to British Columbia’s legal, social, and economic stability." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip www.ubcic.bc.ca/fnlc_appalle...

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence of the UBCIC Chiefs Council in acclaiming me to a 10th 3-year term as President,” stated GC Stewart Phillip "We need to pour our hearts and souls into resolving the outstanding land question in B.C." www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_celebr...

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Opposes New Oil Pipeline Proposals to B.C.’s North Coast Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"Any proposal to ram a new oil pipeline through to B.C.'s North Coast is a direct assault on the inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights of the First Nations who steward these lands and waters." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_oppose...

UBCIC Calls for Commemoration, Education and Healing on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Working towards the recognition, implementation and exercise of our inherent Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights

"UBCIC stands firmly with survivors and intergenerational survivors and acknowledges their courage in sharing their heart-felt testimonies as an unwavering commitment to justice and critical contributions to Canada’s decolonization." GCSP www.ubcic.bc.ca/ubcic_calls_...