Joan Phillip, a respected Indigenous activist and MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona, has died after a months-long illness. She was 74.
Phillip was married to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
The organization shared an announcement from Phillip’s family on Friday.
“The family of MLA Joan Phillip, Amshen, is deeply saddened to share that Joan passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by her the love of her life, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, her children, grandchildren and family at the age of 74,” it said. “Joan was a fearless warrior and inspirational leader, and we will miss her dearly.”
It said the family is asking for privacy at this time, and asked that people make a donation to the B.C. Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
B.C. Premier David Eby said Phillip was a powerful and respected leader.
“Our caucus and staff are grieving alongside her family and so many others who knew and loved her. 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,” said Eby in a statement.
Praise for Phillip quickly poured in from across the political spectrum.
Trevor Halford, former B.C. Conservative interim leader, said he was saddened to hear of her passing.
“Her smile was contagious and her strength was unmeasurable,” Halford said in a social media post.
Conservative MP Dan Albas, who ran and won against Phillip in the 2019 and 2021 federal election in the riding of Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, said he was sorry to hear of her passing.
“Joan was a kind, generous and focused person,” said Albas. “She always conducted herself with integrity and I have a tremendous respect for her.”
Federal NDP leader Avi Lewis called Phillip a remarkable leader.
“Joan Phillip was utterly devoted to making life better — for her neighbours in Vancouver-Strathcona, for Indigenous youth, and for working people across the province. She spent a lifetime at the front of the fight for justice. Now, it is up to all of us to carry her powerful legacy forward,” said Lewis.
“We have lost a matriarch and a champion,” said federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May.
The B.C. NDP caucus had issued a statement last December that said Phillip was “experiencing some health issues” and would be undergoing some tests.
In April, Eby asked British Columbians to pray for Phillip, saying she was “very ill.”
B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle had said in a social media post earlier on Friday that Phillip had returned to hospital.
Phillip, who was Tsleil-Waututh, was first elected to the legislature in a 2023 byelection and was re-elected in the 2024 provincial election.
Her biography on the B.C. government website says Phillip has dedicated her life to fighting for justice, human right and the environment.
It said was married to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip for four decades and they have five surviving children and multiple grand- and great-grandchildren.
