First Nations Leadership Council calls for more government support amid compounding crises

The council says they need more financial support as their communities are experiencing a myriad of issues, from flooding and wildfires to COVID-19 and residential schools.

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is calling upon both the provincial and federal government for aid as flooding in B.C. adds to already existing challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

“The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) remains deeply alarmed and concerned about both short-term and long-term cumulative effects of the crisis upon the safety and welfare of First Nation communities,” wrote FNLC staff, in a release.

The council says they need more financial support as their communities are experiencing a myriad of issues, compounding on top of one another.

“First Nations (are) still recovering from the ongoing emergencies of the 2021 wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, the homelessness crisis and the crisis caused by the discovery of the thousands of unmarked graves on the sites of former residential schools,” FNLC staff said.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, says the level of support First Nations have received so far is unacceptable.

“From a pandemic, to fires then to floods, First Nations have been forced to shoulder the impacts of colonial-induced climate extremes while navigating the challenges caused by COVID-19 without adequate support and resources,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

“Over the past week, many First Nations have lost their homes, with little to no support from B.C. and Canada, while being forced to pay out of pocket to access temporary shelter and food supplies.

“Time and time again First Nations have borne the brunt of climate change impacts and time and time again the federal and provincial governments have failed to assess and take seriously the risks posed by climate change.”