Joint Statement: Resolution to Protect syilx Watersheds Receives Unanimous Support

Press Release

November 3, 2025

Joint Statement: Resolution to Protect syilx Watersheds Receives Unanimous Support

The Okanagan Indian Band’s call for watershed protection has received strong support from First Nations leadership across the province.

OKIB Chief and Council attended the 57th Annual General Assembly of the (UBCIC), where Chiefs and delegates voted unanimously to support a resolution brought forward by the Okanagan Indian Band.

Resolution no. 2025-63: Opposition to Mining in Okanagan Indian Band Watersheds and Protection of syilx Water, Salmon, and Sacred Sites reinforces the Band’s commitment to protect the Browns Creek and Whiteman Creek watersheds from proposed mining activity by Ximen Mining Corporation. These areas lie within the Okanagan Indian Band’s unceded territory and hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance for the syilx people.

The resolution calls for:
• Opposition to mining and exploration in the Browns Creek and Whiteman Creek watersheds
• Protection of syilx water, salmon, and sacred sites from industrial disturbance
• Recognition of OKIB’s jurisdiction and responsibility to safeguard water
• Ongoing watershed restoration and monitoring following the 2021 White Rock Lake wildfire
• Strengthened collaboration among First Nations to defend water and the environment

By passing this resolution, the UBCIC affirmed OKIB’s leadership in environmental protection and the collective responsibility of First Nations to care for the lands and waters that sustain life.

“Water is life. It sustains everything around us and connects us to the generations before and after our own,” said Chief Dan Wilson. “The decision by the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs to support this resolution shows that First Nations across the province stand together in defence of our lands and waters. This is about protecting the health of our people, our salmon, and our future.”

The unanimous support represents an important step in advancing OKIB’s work to protect syilx watersheds and ensure these areas remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, “We are deeply grateful to the OKIB for their incredible climate leadership in stewarding their territory.  The UBCIC stands in unwavering solidarity with OKIB and calls on the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada to immediately halt all applications and permits for mineral exploration or mining in the watersheds of the OKIB, including Whiteman Creek and Tahaetkun Mountain.”

Each year, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs holds an Annual General Assembly that brings together Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, youth, and delegates from across the province to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and pass resolutions that guide collective advocacy. This year’s gathering was held October 7–9, 2025, at the Musqueam Community Centre on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) territory.

MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Winquist, OKIB Manager of Communications and Events
EMAIL: Communications@okanagan.org
TELEPHONE:  250-241-2641

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