B.C. chiefs urge stronger water rights, jurisdiction beyond reserves in federal bill

By Karunjit Singh ( October 16, 2026, 1:32 PM EDT) -- The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has written an open letter urging the federal government to substantially amend the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act to guarantee First Nations’ access to clean drinking water and recognize their jurisdiction over water sources beyond reserve boundaries....