Joan Phillip, the NDP MLA representing Vancouver-Strathcona and spouse of Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, has passed away. The UBCIC announced her peaceful passing in the company of her family on Friday. Joan Phillip, also known as Amshen, was 74 years old. Although the exact cause of death was not disclosed, the UBCIC suggested donations to the B.C. Cancer Society in place of sending flowers.
“B.C. suffered a significant loss with the passing of Joan Amshen Phillip today,” expressed B.C. Premier David Eby in a written statement. Eby mentioned that the NDP caucus and staff are mourning with Phillip’s family.
Eby had previously mentioned Phillip’s illness earlier in the year, stating that colleagues were offering prayers for her well-being. He praised Phillip as a highly esteemed member of various communities and a cherished colleague among legislators from all political affiliations.
As an Indigenous leader, Phillip played a crucial role in influencing the NDP’s decision to refrain from suspending sections of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). She won her initial election in Vancouver during a 2023 byelection and secured victory again in the subsequent general election in British Columbia.
Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, emphasized Phillip’s principled stance when she voted against the B.C. NDP caucus on the matter of repealing DRIPA. Sayers commended Phillip’s nationwide impact and her continuous efforts to advocate for First Nations and Indigenous communities.
Tributes flooded social media platforms, celebrating Phillip’s political legacy, advocacy work, and compassionate nature. Melanie Mark, former MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, highlighted Phillip’s dedication to representing her constituents and her advocacy for issues such as the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in British Columbia.
Phillip, the granddaughter of Chief Dan George, served as a parliamentary secretary for community development and non-profits during her tenure as an MLA. Before entering politics, she worked as a youth counsellor at Britannia Secondary School and held positions at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
Robert Phillips, a political executive with the First Nations Summit, praised Phillip’s community-focused approach, noting her unwavering commitment to helping others beyond political boundaries. Despite facing pressure to conform to party positions, Phillips recalled Phillip’s courage in standing alone to vote against a DRIPA repeal.
Phillip’s contributions extended to her role as a councillor and lands manager for the Penticton Indian Band. While unsuccessful in federal election bids in 2019 and 2021, Phillip leaves behind five children, 15 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, according to her legislative profile and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.