The staff and Directors of MiningWatch Canada are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Arthur Manuel. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family, and to his extended circles of friends and comrades. It was our honour to work with him and learn from him. He was a great thinker, orator, and strategist, and he brought honour to the Sepwepemc People as a visionary leader and an eloquent spokesperson as he worked for the recognition and respect of his community, his People, and all Indigenous Peoples.
We are greatly indebted to Art for helping us understand and work to reinforce the integrity of the people’s relationship with the land and the legal and moral principles that underlay it. He had contributed hugely to our work through various projects, workshops, and strategy discussions, including, most recently, a presentation to our 2016 Annual General Meeting, and at the time of his death we were collaborating on a York University research project on the techniques and mechanisms used by extractive industries and colonial governments to engineer approval and consent for their activities on Indigenous territories. We will continue this important work.
His words will continue to echo in our thoughts. His thinking, his commitment, and his leadership will continue to inspire us. His ready laugh and the mischievous glint that was always in his eyes will stay with us.
In honour and respect,
Earl Commanda and Anne Marie Sam
Co-Chairs,
MiningWatch Canada Board of Directors