FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2026
BC Green Caucus Devastated to Learn of the Passing of Joan Phillip (Amshen)
VICTORIA, B.C. — The BC Green Caucus is devastated to learn of the passing of Joan Phillip (Amshen). The Caucus has released the following statement:
“I am devastated to learn that Joan Philip (Amshen) has passed away. Joan deeply inspired m—from her commitment to Indigenous sovereignty (Native Alliance for Red Power to Oka crisis) and her climate justice activism fighting pipelines on unceded lands. It was an honour to work with Joan in these final years, where she was focused on constructive solutions to serve her community, constituents, and the whole living world. 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. It’s up to us to honour her memory by continuing her work.”
— Emily Lowan, Leader of the BC Green Party
“This is devastating news, and my heart goes out to the Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Joan’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. This is an incredibly difficult time, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to everyone who is grieving this profound loss. We need to come together and do everything we can to support Joan’s family and community during this heartbreaking time.”
— Rob Botterell, MLA Saanich North and the Islands
“I deeply respected Joan’s calm and peaceful strength in the face of so much. She showed us what it means to be gentle, kind, resilient, principled and graceful—both in and out of the legislature. We need to honour her memory by carrying those qualities forward. My deepest condolences to Joan’s family, loved ones and community during this incredibly difficult time.”
— Jeremy Valeriote, MLA West Vancouver – Sea to Sky
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