First Nations Summit Elects Jody Wilson and Robert Phillips Commissioners of the British Columbia Treaty Commission

For Immediate Release: March 16, 2007

Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – First Nations leaders who were gathered in North Vancouver this week for a regular meeting of the First Nations Summit, elected Jody Wilson of the We Wai Kai First Nation and Robert Phillips of the Northern Shuswap First Nation of Canim Lake as Commissioners of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. Following the election, the First Nations Summit appointed Ms. Wilson and Mr. Phillips to their positions as Commissioners by resolution.

“First Nations engaged in the BC treaty negotiations process look forward to a positive working relationship with both Ms. Wilson and Mr. Phillips in their roles as Commissioners of the BCTC”, said Chief Judith Sayers, a member of the Summit’s political executive. “The role of these two individuals is extremely important to all First Nations who are striving to negotiate fair, equitable and timely treaties under the British Columbia treaty negotiation process. During this critical point in the treaty negotiation process it is imperative that strong individuals be charged with the responsibility of upholding the mandate of the BCTC as keepers of the process.”The re-appointment of Ms. Wilson and the appointment Mr. Phillips came following a 3 ballot election for the Summit’s two positions to the BC Treaty Commission. Ms. Wilson was elected on the first ballot and Mr. Phillips on the third ballot as eight candidates vied for the two commissioner positions. Both appointments are for two year terms and will expire in March 2009.

Bio of Jody Wilson
This will be Jody Wilson’s third term as a commissioner. She is a member of the We Wai Kai First Nation on Vancouver Island. She holds a Law degree as well as a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of British Columbia. She was a practising member of the BC Bar from 2000 – 2003 including two years as a Provincial Crown Prosecutor.

Bio of Robert Phillips
This will be Robert Phillips’ first term as a commissioner. He is a member of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmukw (Shuswap) of the Canim Lake First Nation. Robert is married with three children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University College of the Fraser Valley. Robert has served as Chief Negotiator and prior to that as Self-Government Director, at the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council since 1998. Robert also has an extensive background in Aboriginal justice and economic development.

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For more information:
Colin Braker, First Nations Summit:
Office: (604) 926-9903 or Cell: (604) 328-4094