Grand Chief Stewart Phillip Endorses Indigenous Rights Advocates in B.C. Election

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, has taken a significant role in the lead-up to British Columbia's provincial election by endorsing candidates he believes will best serve Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship. As reported by CBC News on 16 October 2026, the veteran leader has thrown his weight behind B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan in her Vancouver Island riding of Saanich North and the Islands, while simultaneously backing NDP Leader David Eby for premier. In a statement shared by Lowan, Grand Chief Phillip expressed that he was "totally honoured" to support her candidacy. He praised her "proactive, principled, evidence-based approach" to the climate crisis and highlighted her standing as a "strong and courageous ally for Indigenous Peoples in B.C." Phillip noted that her approach to environmental stewardship is built on a foundation of full respect for Indigenous rights. Lowan, who cast her ballot on Friday alongside her family in Saanichton, welcomed the endorsement as the Green Party targets key ridings on Vancouver Island. Despite his support for Lowan’s individual candidacy, Grand Chief Phillip remains a steadfast ally of the B.C. NDP, the party for which his late wife, Joan Phillip, served as a legislator until her passing this summer. In a statement issued by the NDP, Phillip described David Eby as "the best choice as leader of this province," citing a personal and professional relationship spanning over 20 years. The Grand Chief’s endorsements follow a period of advocacy where he successfully challenged the government regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Phillip noted that while he and Eby have had disagreements, he strongly supports the principles of the NDP under Eby’s leadership, emphasizing that "true genuine friends and allies are forever."