Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and daughter recovering after kidney transplant surgery
Social media flooded with messages of support for Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs president and family
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, longtime president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, is recovering in a Vancouver hospital after undergoing a kidney transplant on Wednesday.
Phillip made a public appeal for a living donor in June as he was facing worsening kidney disease.
His wife Joan Phillip said hundreds of people came forward and were getting tested to see if they were a match. In the end, it was his daughter who was his donor.
As news spread that the transplant was happening this week, social media was flooded with prayers and messages of support.
"I really honestly believe that's a huge help, all that positive energy going his way," said Joan Phillip.
Keep ʔaʔsiwɬ in your prayers tomorrow and the days to come as he’s blessed to receive the gift of a kidney for transplant. We are encouraging all those who may be considering organ donation to find out more: <a href="https://t.co/u3bUDLCfwp">https://t.co/u3bUDLCfwp</a> <a href="https://t.co/09WPl788AV">https://t.co/09WPl788AV</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2VOcwoqzp">pic.twitter.com/Y2VOcwoqzp</a>
—@OkanagannationThe transplant surgery took place on Wednesday at Vancouver General Hospital.
On Thursday, Joan Phillip said it's been a nerve wracking couple of days but that Stewart and his daughter are recovering well.
"So far so good," she said.
Stewart Phillip is known for his advocacy for Indigenous title and rights. He's served as chief of the Penticton Indian Band, chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and is currently in his eighth consecutive term as president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
Joan Phillip said once her husband is released from hospital they plan to stay in Vancouver for a couple of months as he recovers. His daughter is expected to be released from hospital on Friday.