Syilx Okanagan Nation chiefs back PIB’s call for trio of MLAs to resign

After the Penticton Indian Band (PIB) called for the resignation of MLAs Tara Armstrong, Jordan Kealy, and Dallas Brodie and the trio’s response, the syilx Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council has expressed its “unwavering” support for the PIB.

“The comments made by these MLAs show exactly why reconciliation is still a long way off,” stated Chief Clarence Louie, chair of the syilx Okanagan Nation.

“Reconciliation is not about opinions—it’s about recognizing First Nations Peoples’ inherent rights, our laws, and our jurisdiction over our lands. Our people have lived here since time immemorial. We’re not going anywhere. If politicians can’t respect that, they have no place in public office. The syilx Okanagan Nation stands behind PIB leadership, and we will continue to assert our sovereignty in our territory.”

Earlier this month, PIB leadership called for the trio of MLAs to resign after they published a statement following the federal election that included a portion about First Nations sovereignty.

The statement said that “successive Liberal governments have neglected to address crucial issues impacting British Columbia,” listing “more than 200 Indigenous bands asserting sovereignty” as one of those issues.

Following the statement, the PIB condemned it, emphasizing that First Nations sovereignty is not a threat but the law.

The PIB statement added that the MLA’s statement “dangerously” groups Indigenous self-determination with unrelated political issues like uncontrolled immigration and equalization disparities, “perpetuating racist narratives and systemic discrimination against Indigenous Peoples.”

The trio of MLAs then responded to the calls for them to resign, saying their initial statement “sounded the alarm that the election of Mark Carney could fuel separatist sentiments within British Columbia.”

"We also made the obvious observation that more than 200 Indigenous bands asserting sovereignty is a crucial issue facing our province today. With all due respect to the chiefs and councils of these bands, British Columbia simply cannot accommodate more than 200 sovereignties within its borders. Would you fly a plane with over 200 pilots, each with their own controls?" a portion of their response said.

"It’s no surprise that the chief and council of the Penticton Indian Band are alarmed by our repudiation of their unfounded sovereignty claims and the broader set of grievances promoted by the reconciliation industry."

Following the MLA's response, the syilx Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council echoed PIB’s call for the immediate resignation of the MLAs.

“Our title and rights are not up for debate, nor are they a political talking point. They are recognized in the constitution and upheld by the courts of this country,” said Chief Greg Gabriel, Penticton Indian Band.

“To suggest otherwise, or to reduce the work of reconciliation to a so-called ‘industry,’ is deeply offensive and shows a fundamental misunderstanding of Canada’s legal and moral obligations to First Nations Peoples. We call on all elected officials to speak responsibly and to uphold the values of truth, respect, and reconciliation.”

The syilx Okanagan Nation Chiefs Executive Council's statement can be found online at this link.