About the First Nations Leadership Council
The FNLC is a collaborative political working relationship between our three member organizations. It is mandated to develop high-level strategies and actions to bring about unified change in government policy in a collective effort to improve the lives of all B.C. First Nations citizens.
More specifically, we work to:
- Bring awareness of First Nations issues to all levels of government and select sectoral organizations;
- Coordinate action, promote and advocate for critical First Nations issues;
- Bring First Nations representatives together to discuss important issues and take action together; and
- Have the resources necessary to conduct research, share information and participate effectively in provincial and federal political discussions.
FNLC Members
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
(UBCIC)
Founded in 1969, UBCIC is a First Nations organization in British Columbia dedicated to supporting the efforts of First Nations to affirm and defend inherent and constitutionally protected Title and Rights, ensuring the Crown honours its obligations to respect those rights.
B.C. Assembly of First Nations
(BCAFN)
The BCAFN is a Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO) of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), representing and advocating for the Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights of First Nations people in B.C.
First Nations Summit
(FNS)
Individually, these three influential organizations have a long history of organizing on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia against systemic racism, marginalization, inequality, and poverty. The organizations remain independent and continue to carry out their own work, coming together to collaborate on issues of mutual concern and priority.
Today, through the FNLC, we are tackling even bigger challenges together.
Our History
In 2005, leaders from three distinct B.C. First Nations political organizations put their differences aside to work together on matters of common concern and to amplify the voices of their constituents through a political coalition called the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC).
The FNLC was directed by chiefs in B.C. to analyze and strategize responses to the most pressing issues facing B.C. First Nations, including Aboriginal Title and Rights, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and the social and economic well-being of First Nations in B.C.
The overrepresentation of our children in the foster care system, and the unacceptably high rates of violence and discrimination against Indigenous women and girls, are a testament to the continuing legacy of colonialism and the ongoing challenges we face.
The fruits of the FNLC’s cooperation have far transcended outcomes achievable by any independent organization, including efforts in helping British Columbia become the first province in Canada to adopt the UN Declaration.
Foundational Documents
Leadership Accord
The FNLC was formalized by the historic Leadership Accord on March 17, 2005, an agreement that affirms the mutual respect between the three organizations, and establishes a working relationship between them. In recognition of the twentieth anniversary of the FNLC, B.C.’s chiefs supported, through resolution, a leadership accord addendum.
Since the creation of the Leadership Accord, the FNLC has worked hard to engage government on pressing issues that affect all First Nations across British Columbia, from Bill-C92 to the UN Declaration.
Our Leadership
Kwul'thut'stun Chief Don Tom
(Since 2019) UBCIC
Robert Phillips
Maxweeum Tsimghee Terry Teegee
K̓áwáziɫ Chief Marilyn Slett
(Since 2023) UBCIC
?aq‡smaknik pi¢ak pa‡kiy Nasuʔkin (Chief) Cheryl Casimer
(Since 2013) FNS
ʔaʔsiwɬ Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Hugh Braker, K.C.
Our Leadership
