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CP B.C. Legislator and Indigenous Activist Joan Phillip Dies
The NDP MLA and Indigenous rights activist died peacefully after illness, with her family asking for privacy and donations to the B.C. Cancer Society.
- On Friday, MLA and Indigenous activist Joan Phillip died at age 74 in hospital surrounded by her family. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs announced her death on Aug. 28, 2026.
- Phillip had been battling illness; The Union noted on Aug. 27 she was hospitalized for a kidney infection and septic shock. She passed away peacefully in the afternoon.
- A member of the Penticton Indian Band and Syilx Okanagan Nation, Phillip served as the NDP MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona since 2023. Also known as Amshen Joan Phillip, she championed Indigenous rights.
- Phillip leaves behind her husband, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, five children, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The family requested privacy and suggested donations to the Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
- Premier David Eby called Phillip a "fearless warrior and inspirational leader" in a statement. The Okanagan Nation Alliance offered condolences to Stewart and the family, honoring her lasting advocacy for Indigenous rights.
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BREAKING: Defender of Indigenous rights MLA Joan Phillip dies - Creston Valley Advance
Condolences are pouring in following the death of Amshen Joan Phillip, a champion of Indigenous rights and serving MLA whose advocacy left a lasting mark on B.C. politics. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), of which her husband, Stewart Phillip, leads as Grand Chief, announced her death on Aug. 28. “Joan was a fearless warrior and inspirational leader, and we will miss her dearly,” the UBCIC’s statement reads. “The family asks …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources43
Leaning Left30Leaning Right0Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Left
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Left
73% Left
L 73%
C 27%
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