Provincial M-L-A with ties to Nicola Valley Joan Phillip dies

 B-C legislator, Indigenous leader and former NDP riding candidate for Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola riding Joan Phillip has died.

The Union of B-C Indian Chiefs  says the N-D-P M-L-A died peacefully Friday afternoon, surrounded by her family, including husband Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, their children and grandchildren.

Phillip, 73,  had been battling an illness for months.

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

Phillip entered federal politics as the New Democratic Party’s candidate for the former Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola riding during the 2019 and again in 2021, losing twice to incumbent Dan Albas.