Stewart Phillip facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grand Chief
Stewart Phillip
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| ʔaʔsiwɬ | |
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Phillip in 2024
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| Nationality | Syilx/Okanagan |
| Spouse(s) | Joan Phillip |
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip is an Okanagan Indigenous leader. He has been the president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs since 1998. This group works to protect the rights of First Nations people in British Columbia.
Before this, he was the chief of the Penticton Indian Band from 1994 to 2008. He also led the Okanagan Nation Alliance. Throughout his career, he has worked hard to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples, especially in the Okanagan area. In 2006, the Okanagan Nation gave him the special title of Grand Chief. This honored his many years of dedication to Indigenous rights and land claims.
Contents
Working for Rights
Protecting Sacred Stories
In 2002, Stewart Phillip helped change the name of a movie. The film was about the Ogopogo, a legendary creature from Indigenous stories. He argued that using sacred stories for money was wrong. Because of his efforts, the movie was renamed Mee-Shee: The Water Giant.
Standing Up for the Environment
On November 26, 2014, Grand Chief Phillip spoke at a big meeting. He told everyone he would get arrested to protest a pipeline project. This project, by Kinder Morgan, aimed to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline. The next day, he joined other protesters on Burnaby Mountain. He said they were showing 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.
Special Recognitions
Environmental Awards
In 2017, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and his wife, Joan Phillip, received a special award. The Wilderness Committee gave them the Eugene Rogers Environmental Award. They earned this award for their many years of work. They have protected lands, waters, and the environment for future generations.
Honorary Degree
In November 2018, Phillip received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This special award came from the University of British Columbia. It recognized his important work and contributions.
His Family Life
Stewart Phillip is married to BC NDP MLA Joan Phillip. An MLA is a Member of the Legislative Assembly, like a representative in government. He says his wife has "courage, principles, integrity, [is] hard-working and dedicated." He has six children and 15 grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, camping, and hunting.
