Joan Amshen Phillip, the New Democratic Party member for Vancouver‑Strathcona and a long‑standing Indigenous leader, has died at the age of 74, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) announced Friday.
Family at her side, calls for donations to cancer charity
The UBCIC said Phillip passed away “peacefully” in the company of family. It asked those wishing to mark her passing to consider donations to the B.C. Cancer Society instead of sending flowers. The statement did not specify a cause of death.
“Joan passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by the love of her life,” the UBCIC said.
Phillip was married to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the UBCIC. She had been an influential voice within Indigenous communities and in the provincial legislature.
Premier, caucus pay tribute
Premier David Eby said the NDP caucus and legislative staff are mourning alongside Phillip’s relatives and the many people who knew her. In a written release, he described her as a “powerful and respected leader.” Earlier in the year, Eby said Phillip had been “very ill” and that colleagues were keeping her in their thoughts.
“British Columbia lost a powerful and respected leader when Joan Amshen Phillip died earlier today,” Eby wrote.
Role in Indigenous rights discussions
Phillip was credited by the premier as one of the influences that led the government to pause plans to suspend portions of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Her involvement in discussions around Indigenous rights and reconciliation had resonance beyond her Vancouver riding.
She entered provincial politics in a 2023 byelection, winning the Vancouver‑Strathcona seat for the NDP. Her election brought a distinct Indigenous perspective to the legislature and reinforced her profile as a community leader.
Impact on the legislature and community
Colleagues from across party lines noted her presence in the legislative precinct and the respect she commanded within multiple communities. Her death will leave a vacancy in Vancouver‑Strathcona and raise questions about next steps for representation in that riding, as well as the continuity of Indigenous advocacy she helped bring to provincial policy debates.
The UBCIC’s public message, and the premier’s remarks, underscore how Phillip’s work bridged community leadership and provincial governance. The suggestion to direct remembrances to the B.C. Cancer Society indicates the family’s preference for charitable actions at this time.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Joan Amshen Phillip |
| Age | 74 |
| Riding | Vancouver‑Strathcona |
| Party | British Columbia New Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Stewart Phillip, Grand Chief, UBCIC |
| First elected | 2023 byelection |
What comes next
With Phillip’s passing, the NDP caucus will need to consider how best to manage constituency services and representation in Vancouver‑Strathcona while the family and community mourn. Traditionally, a vacancy triggers processes under provincial election law for filling a seat, but the timing and mechanics will be determined by the lieutenant governor and the government in the coming weeks.
For residents of Vancouver‑Strathcona seeking assistance, the NDP caucus office will likely provide interim supports; constituents should watch official channels for announcements about contact points and any memorial arrangements.
- Phillip’s death was confirmed by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.
- The family requested donations to the B.C. Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
- Premier David Eby acknowledged Phillips’ influence on decisions around DRIPA.
As the province absorbs the news, her role at the intersection of Indigenous leadership and provincial policymaking will be a focus of remembrance and of discussions about how to continue the work she championed in the legislature.
(Reporting from Vancouver.)
