Tuesday, June 17, 2025

From Tragedy to Legacy: Joan Phillip and the Strength of Her Family

I just listened to Joan Phillip speak, and something she shared really stayed with me.

She was only three years old when she witnessed the collapse of the Second Narrows Bridge — now known as the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. She remembers the horror and confusion of that moment, and how her parents quickly jumped into action, taking their fishing boat to help rescue survivors and recover those lost. That moment, at such a young age, shaped her understanding of community, tragedy, and responsibility.

Joan Phillip comes from a family rooted in leadership, compassion, and activism. She is now an MLA for Vancouver–Mount Pleasant, a climate advocate, and a strong voice for Indigenous and environmental rights in BC. But her story is deeply connected to her family’s legacy — particularly the legacy of her grandfather, Chief Dan George.

Chief Dan George was a respected chief, actor, and poet whose voice echoed across Turtle Island. He helped non-Indigenous Canadians see the truth of colonization while inspiring pride and strength in his own people. His children and grandchildren have followed in his footsteps in powerful ways.

Joan’s aunt, Ta’ah (Amy George), is a remarkable matriarch and land defender. She stood firm against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, and her words have become a rallying call: “Warrior Up.” Her spirit has encouraged countless people — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — to rise in defense of the land and water.

This family includes:

  • Reuben George – Ta’ah’s son, a vocal opponent of TMX and author of It Stops Here
  • Lee Maracle – Joan’s cousin, trailblazing author, activist, and teacher
  • Charlene Aleck – another cousin, actor (The Beachcombers) and Tsleil-Waututh leader
  • Columpa Bobb – great-granddaughter of Dan George, poet and performer
  • And of course, Joan herself, now serving in the legislature, continuing to speak for justice, climate, and community

She’s married to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and together they’ve raised a blended family while standing shoulder-to-shoulder in countless protests — from Oka to Site C to TMX.

What strikes me most is that this legacy isn’t about ego or politics — it’s about love. Love for the land. Love for future generations. And love for people, even in the face of injustice, violence, and climate crisis.

This is what intergenerational strength looks like. This is what leadership grounded in heart looks like.

From that little girl who watched a bridge collapse, to a woman helping build a better future — Joan Phillip’s story is one of grief, action, and hope.

Warrior Up, indeed.

#JoanPhillip #TaahAmyGeorge #ChiefDanGeorge #IndigenousLeadership #WarriorUp #EnvironmentalJustice #ReubenGeorge #LeeMaracle #BCPolitics #LegacyOfResistance #IronworkersBridge #FamilyOfActivists


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