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Union of BC Indian Chiefs


UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS, a leading aboriginal political organization, was formed in 1969 by delegates from about 140 aboriginal FIRST NATIONS (then called bands) meeting in KAMLOOPS. The organization united status Indians in the wake of the federal government's 1969 White Paper, which aboriginal people from coast to coast opposed as a denial of ABORIGINAL RIGHTS. The UBCIC's main objective was to pursue a land claims settlement in BC. The organization was run by committee until it chose its first president, George MANUEL, in 1979. He was followed by his son Robert Manuel (1981–83), Saul Terry (1983–98) and Stewart Phillip. The UBCIC has a resource centre, a research department and a bookstore at its VANCOUVER offices.