Vancouver, B.C. – On May 11th, the BC Civil Liberties Association is recognizing Grand Chief Stewart Phillip for bringing critical attention to police accountability, equality, and addiction issues in both aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities across Canada. He has taken an active role in the defense of aboriginal title and rights by readily offering support to First Nations communities in need.

Grand Chief Phillip is currently the elected Chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance (Tribal Council) and in his 5th consecutive term as President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. Grand Chief Phillip is the former Chief of the Penticton Indian band, serving as Band Chief for 14 years. Immediately prior to that, he served 10 years as an elected Band Councillor for the Penticton Indian Band, for a total of 24 years as a member of the Penticton Band Council.

On May 11th, Grand Chief Phillip will be receiving the Reg Robson Award at the BCCLA’s AGM and Membership Conference. Mr. Thomas Berger, Q.C., O.C., O.B.C., will also be speaking on “Civil Liberties and Human Rights: A Glance At Our History.”
Interested media should contact the BCCLA to arrange interviews in advance of the event.

What: Media availability of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.
When: In person in Vancouver or via phone on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.
Where: In person interviews in Vancouver on May 11. Phone interviews after May 11.
When: Contact the BCCLA at the contact information below to arrange an interview.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Interview Coordination: Stefanie Ratjen – Development Coordinator – 604-630-9750
Micheal Vonn – Policy Director – 604-630-9753