This week, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) held the 22nd Annual Special Chiefs Assembly in Penticton, BC, March 4 & 5, 2026. BCAFN was honoured to welcome National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak, y̓ilmixʷm (Chief) Greg Gabriel of the Snpink’tn Indian Band, Mayor Julius Bloomfield of the City of Penticton, Minister Niki Sharma, BC Attorney General, Minister Spencer Chandra-Herbert, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and other distinguished guests.
“This is a time when we reaffirm our enduring commitment to protect and advance First Nations’ education, justice, environment, culture, language, and self-determination,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Above all, we honour and uphold our inherent rights and title to our territories, as they are the foundation of our identity, strength and well-being.”
The Assembly’s agenda included vital discussions on justice, climate change, children and families’ well-being, economic development, and the stewardship of BC’s wild salmon. First Nations women, youth, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ representatives brought strong voices to this work, calling for unity and equity.
A total of nineteen resolutions were advanced, including the endorsement of the Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Dialogue Session’s 105 recommendations, support for a First Nations-led initiative to protect glaciers and water security, opposition to the BC Declaration Act amendments that undermine First Nations rights, and calls for responsible stewardship of fisheries through meaningful consultation and bans on destructive practices such as trawling.
This annual Assembly is an important gathering of First Nations governance, culture, and vision—a reaffirmation of our responsibility to our Nations, future generations and the environment.