FNLC Calls for a State of Emergency due to Unprecedented Climate Weather Events in BC

November 16, 2021

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) In the wake of the extreme weather events that continue to devastate First Nations across BC, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) calls on the Provincial government to declare an indefinite State of Emergency in BC, effective immediately.

Over the weekend and continuing today, BC is experiencing  an “atmospheric river event” with extreme rainfall and wind causing  widespread flooding, mudslides, forcing the closure of major highways and roads leaving people stranded without power, food, water and communication. Many First Nations are under evacuation order or alert and are left navigating an onerous and complicated provincial emergency funding system that fails to meet their unique needs.