‘Epic fighter’: Tributes for B.C. Indigenous leader and MLA Joan Phillip, dead at 74

British Columbia legislator and Indigenous leader Joan Phillip has died, with Premier David Eby honouring her as an “epic fighter.”

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs said in a statement on Friday that the NDP MLA died peacefully Friday afternoon, surrounded by her family, including “the love of her life,” husband Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, their children and grandchildren.

“Joan was a fearless warrior and inspirational leader, and we will miss her dearly,” the union said.

She was 74.

Phillip had been battling an illness for months, and the union’s post asked for donations to the B.C. Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

The organization said in a previous post on Thursday that Phillip was in hospital “courageously fighting kidney infection and septic shock.”

Philip was first elected in Vancouver in a 2023 byelection, and won again in B.C.’s general election the following year.

Eby said B.C. had lost “a powerful and respected leader.”

“Our caucus and staff are grieving alongside her family and so many others who knew and loved her,” he said in a statement.

“Joan was an epic fighter who dedicated her life to making the world a better and fairer place. We’ll miss her so much. Rest in peace Joan.”

Attorney General Niki Sharma said it was an honour to witness the strength of the bond between Joan and Stewart Phillip.

Joan Phillip’s profile on the B.C. legislature website says the couple have five surviving children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

“I will forever cherish every moment I shared with you. You lived with purpose, hope and love,” Sharma said in an online post.

“I will truly miss your presence. You taught me so much about life, history and what’s right.”

Phillip was first elected in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, then Vancouver-Strathcona in 2024.

She became parliamentary secretary for community development and non-profits in November that year.

The B.C. NDP caucus called her a “respected Indigenous leader who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice, human rights and the environment.”

Her bonds with Eby and the NDP were tested this year when the government, with a one-seat majority, proposed a confidence vote on suspending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, raising the threat of a provincial election call.

The law, known as DRIPA, is designed to affirm the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in other B.C. legislation, but has become a flashpoint for critics.

The government backed off when Eby said Phillip told him she could not bring herself to vote for the suspension.

The NDP caucus said that before being elected in 2023, Phillip worked as a youth counsellor at Britannia Secondary School, as education and program director at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and as the lands manager for the Penticton Indian Band.

The caucus had announced in early December that Phillip was dealing with an illness that required additional testing.

Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said on Friday: “We have lost a matriarch and a champion.”

Emily Lowan, leader of the BC Green Party, said Phillip was a woman of “unparalleled courage and character who always stood for what’s right, no matter the consequences.”

“She leaves a hole as a leader and visionary that will be hard to fill,” said Lowan.

Kerry-Lynne Findlay, leader of the BC Conservative Party, said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of Phillip’s death.

“While we stood on different sides of the political aisle, I always respected Joan’s fierce dedication to her community, her lifelong advocacy and her unwavering leadership on Indigenous issues,” said Findlay. “She served the people of Vancouver with determination and conviction.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 28, 2026.