BCMF Withdraws Human Rights Complaint to Support Reconciliation

Vancouver, British Columbia, August 19, 2025 – Following a decision of its Board of Directors on August 15th, the BC Métis Federation (BCMF) has formally withdrawn its complaint before the BC Human Rights Tribunal against the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

The complaint was initially submitted in response to a resolution passed by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) on June 8, 2023, which included inflammatory language that BCMF deemed was discriminatory against Métis people in British Columbia. While BCMF took action at the time to defend the rights and dignity of its members, the organization has now determined that continuing the complaint will not contribute to reconciliation or relationship-building.

The formal notice of withdrawal (Form 6) has been submitted to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. BCMF views the decision to take this action as a constructive step toward moving past conflict and rebuilding trust with First Nations leadership across the province.

“BCMF is committed to respectful dialogue and improved relations with First Nations leadership,” said BCMF President Keith Henry. “This decision reflects our hope to move beyond conflict and create opportunities for Métis and First Nations to work together in British Columbia.”

Alongside the withdrawal, BCMF has provided a letter to the First Nations Leadership Council expressing hopes for future discussions and ways to better work together, along with a commitment to clarity, collaboration, and trust-building. BCMF believes this decision represents a meaningful opportunity to reset relationships and focus on the many shared challenges and aspirations of Indigenous peoples across the province.

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ABOUT BCMF

The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is a non-profit association that works with Métis communities to ensure the well-being of BCMF members. Through grassroots eforts, BCMF advocates on behalf of its many members living all across the province.

MEDIA CONTACT

Keith Henry, President, BC Métis Federation​

P: (778) 388-5013 ​

E) K.Henry@BCMetis.com

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