Stewart Phillip facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grand Chief
Stewart Phillip
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| ʔaʔsiwɬ | |
Phillip in 2024
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| Nationality | Syilx/Okanagan |
| Spouse(s) | Joan Phillip |
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip is a respected leader from the Okanagan Nation. He has worked for many years to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Since 1998, he has been the president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. This group helps First Nations communities across British Columbia. He also led the Penticton Indian Band and the Okanagan Nation Alliance. In 2006, the Okanagan Nation gave him the special title of Grand Chief. This was to honor his lifelong dedication to Indigenous rights.
Standing Up for Rights
Stewart Phillip has always been a strong voice for Indigenous rights. In 2002, he helped change the name of a movie. The film was about the Ogopogo, a legendary water creature from Okanagan stories. Phillip felt that using the Ogopogo for a movie was not respectful. He said it was wrong to use spiritual stories for money. Because of his efforts, the movie was renamed Mee-Shee: The Water Giant.
He also stood up against plans to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline. This pipeline project would carry oil through important lands. In November 2014, Phillip told people he would get arrested to protest the pipeline. He joined other protesters on Burnaby Mountain. He said they did not support the governments' plans for natural resources. He was arrested that day. He has been arrested four other times while fighting for Indigenous rights.
Important Awards
Stewart Phillip has received many awards for his work. In 2017, he and his wife, Joan Phillip, received the Eugene Rogers Environmental Award. The Wilderness Committee gave them this award. It was for their many years of working to protect lands, water, and the environment. They wanted to keep these natural places safe for future generations. In November 2018, Phillip received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This special degree was from the University of British Columbia.
His Family
Stewart Phillip is married to Joan Phillip. She is a member of the provincial government for the BC NDP. He describes her as brave, principled, and hardworking. Together, they have six children and 15 grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, camping, and hunting.
