Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs was founded in November, 1969, by a majority of Indian chiefs in BC, partly in response to the federal government’s 1969 White Paper, which was a blueprint for assimilating Canada’s First Peoples, and partly as an inevitable outcome of a growing conviction of many of our people that our survival in the face of such policies depended upon our ability to work together.

The UBCIC founding head office is located in Kamloops, BC. The satellite office has had many homes over the years, all in the Lower Mainland, including the Musqueam and Squamish Reserves and Coqualeetza complex in Sardis. For some time now it has been located in the Gastown district of Vancouver.

Our Vision

One of the main principles of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is that, despite our differences, we will be stronger if we work together. The goal of the UBCIC is to support the work of our people, whether at the community, nation or international level, in our common fight for the recognition of our aboriginal rights and respect for our cultures and societies. Our goal, the goal of the people, has been to give the aboriginal people of BC a voice strong enough to be heard in every corner of the world. We have, and we continue, to carry out this mission in a number of different ways.

Another major principle behind our organization is the belief that knowledge is power. We are dedicated to information-sharing as well as to the fostering of fundamental and necessary research skills for Indian people in the province.

Our Mission

to improve intertribal relationships through common strategies to protect our Aboriginal Title
to hold the federal government to its fiduciary obligations and have them change their extinguishment policy
to support our peoples at regional, national and international forums
to continue to defend our Aboriginal Title through the revival of our way of life (political, social, economic and spiritual)
to build trust, honour and respect so we may achieve security and liberty in our lifetime and continue the healing and reconciliation (decolonization) of our Nations

Check out their website: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/about/