First Nations leaders in British Columbia have strongly criticized statements made by a B.C. Conservative candidate on Vancouver Island, labeling them as “deeply racist” and urging the party to retract the remarks publicly.
A video circulating on social media features Juan de Fuca-Malahat candidate Mike Hicks speaking into a microphone, where he mentions the need to conquer or sign treaties with First Nations. Hicks initially states that “The First Nations have to be conquered,” but upon interruption by a moderator, he clarifies his statement by highlighting the historical significance of treaties with First Nations.
The authenticity and timing of the video, along with the identity of the moderator, remain unverified by CBC News. The First Nations Leadership Council, comprising leaders from the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), has condemned Hicks’ comments in a news release, denouncing them as evoking a violent colonial past and demonstrating concerning attitudes towards Indigenous peoples.
UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Philip, who recently endorsed B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan and B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, criticized Hicks for suggesting the mobilization of military forces to “conquer” First Nations, describing it as blatant colonial racism.
In response, a statement attributed to Hicks on the Conservative Party of B.C.’s X account clarified that his remarks were taken out of context. He explained that he was discussing the historical failure to negotiate treaties with First Nations in British Columbia and advocating for the development of modern treaties instead.
The Conservative Party of B.C. addressed the criticism surrounding Hicks’ comments through a post on X, emphasizing the need for a contextual understanding of the historical treaty process in British Columbia.