First Nations leaders from across British Columbia have thrown their support behind the Okanagan Indian Band's fight to protect sacred waterways.
Okanagan Indian Band's Chief and Council attended the 57th Annual General Assembly of the UBCIC, where Chiefs and delegates voted unanimously to support a resolution brought forward by the Okanagan delegation.
The UBCIC represents Indigenous Nations from across the province of British Columbia, Northern Turtle Island / Canada.
On Monday, local time, the Union publicly announced the passage of 'Resolution no. 2025-63: Opposition to Mining in Okanagan Indian Band Watersheds and Protection of syilx Water, Salmon, and Sacred Sites', which reinforces the Band's commitment to protect the Browns Creek and Whiteman Creek watersheds from proposed mining activity by Ximen Mining Corporation.
These areas lie within the Okanagan Indian Band's unceded territory and hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance for the syilx people.
The resolution calls for: Opposition to mining and exploration in the Browns Creek and Whiteman Creek watersheds; protection of syilx water, salmon, and sacred sites from industrial disturbance; recognition of OKIB's jurisdiction and responsibility to safeguard water; ongoing watershed restoration and monitoring following the 2021 White Rock Lake wildfire; and strengthened collaboration among First Nations to defend water and the environment
By passing this resolution, the Union affirmed Okanagan Indian Band's leadership in environmental protection and "the collective responsibility of First Nations to care for the lands and waters that sustain life".
"Water is life. It sustains everything around us and connects us to the generations before and after our own," said Chief Dan Wilson.
"The decision by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs to support this resolution shows that First Nations across the province stand together in defence of our lands and waters. This is about protecting the health of our people, our salmon, and our future."
The unanimous support represents an important step in advancing OKIB's work to protect syilx watersheds and ensure these areas remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
UBCIC president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, said British Columbia Indian Chiefs "are deeply grateful to the OKIB for their incredible climate leadership in stewarding their territory".
"The UBCIC stands in unwavering solidarity with OKIB and calls on the Province of BC and the Government of Canada to immediately halt all applications and permits for mineral exploration or mining in the watersheds of the OKIB, including Whiteman Creek and Tahaetkun Mountain," he said.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs holds an General Assembly every year which brings together Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, youth, and delegates from across the province to "share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and pass resolutions that guide collective advocacy".
This year's gathering was held October 7-9, at the Musqueam Community Centre on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) territory.
