Joan Phillip, the New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Vancouver-Strathcona and spouse of Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, has passed away.
The UBCIC announced that Phillip, also known as Amshen, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Friday afternoon. She was 74 years old. Although the exact cause of death was not disclosed, the UBCIC suggested that donations be made to the B.C. Cancer Society in lieu of sending flowers.
“B.C. lost a significant and esteemed leader with the passing of Joan Amshen Phillip earlier today,” stated B.C. Premier David Eby in a written release. Eby mentioned that the NDP caucus and staff are mourning alongside Phillip’s family.
Earlier this year, Eby had mentioned that Phillip was in a “very ill” state and that her colleagues were all hoping for her recovery. He praised Phillip as a highly respected member of various communities and a cherished colleague in the legislature across party lines.
Phillip, being an Indigenous leader, was recognized by Eby as a key factor in the NDP reconsidering its plans to suspend sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). She was initially elected in Vancouver in a byelection in 2023 and subsequently won in the following year’s general election in British Columbia.
Judith Sayers, the president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, commended Phillip’s principled stance in voting against the B.C. NDP caucus on the issue of repealing DRIPA. Sayers emphasized the nationwide impact of Phillip’s actions, noting her continuous pursuit of optimal solutions for First Nations and Indigenous people in Canada.
Tributes flooded social media platforms, honoring Phillip’s political legacy, advocacy work, and compassionate nature. Former MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, Melanie Mark, highlighted Phillip’s dedication to serving her constituents and her advocacy on critical issues such as the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in British Columbia.
Phillip’s background included being the granddaughter of Chief Dan George, a prominent Tsleil-Waututh actor, poet, and public speaker. During her tenure as an MLA, she held the position of parliamentary secretary for community development and non-profits.
Before entering provincial politics, Phillip worked as a youth counselor at Britannia Secondary School and served as the education and program director at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Her commitment to community welfare extended beyond political boundaries, as highlighted by Robert Phillips, a political executive with the First Nations Summit.
Phillip’s involvement in the Penticton Indian Band as a councilor and lands manager showcased her dedication to her community. Despite unsuccessful federal election bids in 2019 and 2021, Phillip left behind a lasting impact through her advocacy work and commitment to social justice causes.
Joan Phillip is survived by five children, 15 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, as per her legislative profile and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.