March 17, 2025
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Twenty years ago, on March 17, 2005, the political executives of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), the First Nations Summit (FNS), and the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) signed the historic Leadership Accord to bring to life the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). This landmark agreement has fostered a powerful cooperative spirit among First Nations in British Columbia, enabling a united voice to champion First Nation’s collective interests, rights and title as directed through resolutions. At this time, we are pleased to launch a new website about the FNLC today to share our history, partnerships, mandates, and news.
The FNLC has played a pivotal role in implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into provincial and federal legislation, advocating for the recognition and protection of First Nations rights in legislative and policy development. Over the past decade, the FNLC has also collaborated with the provincial government to co-host the annual First Nations Leadership Gathering, the largest event of its kind, bringing together First Nations leadership and the BC Cabinet for several days of plenaries and one-on-one meetings. The FNLC has made significant strides in addressing urgent priority areas, as directed by First Nations through resolutions at UBICIC, FNS and BCAFN. These initiatives include establishing systems of support that empower communities to reclaim jurisdiction over their children and family services, aligning with broader legislative changes in Canada, such as Bill C-92, which affirms First Nations’ authority to govern child welfare within their jurisdictions.
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