CAP Mourns Passing of Indigenous Leader Ron George

Press Release

June 22nd  (Ottawa, ON) –

Elmer St Pierre, National Chief wishes to express condolences on behalf of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) at the passing of former leader Ron George, who led the Native Council of Canada (NCC) between 1992-1994, prior to it being renamed and reorganized as the present-day CAP.

As President of the NCC, Ron George led the fight for the rights of off-reserve and non-Status Indigenous people in Canada. He was a participant in the negotiations for the Charlottetown Accord, working to ensure that the NCC’s constituents would be recognized and have their rights protected.

“Leaders like Ron George set the groundwork for where we are today. We owe him a debt of gratitude, that we can only repay by carrying on his work until every Indigenous person in Canada has their rights and identity recognized” said Kim Beaudin, National Vice Chief.

President Ron George also led the protests on Parliament hill by off-reserve Indigenous communities, the “Constitution Express”, highlighting how their rights were threatened with what he described as the “Apartheid Regime” inflicted on Indigenous people in Canada.

“His loss is a sad day for all Indigenous people in Canada. He was a champion of Indigenous rights his entire life, fighting with courage and justice. His legacy will live on in the communities whose rights he defended, and the future generations who will benefit from his work.” said Elmer St Pierre, CAP National Chief.

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For media interviews please contact:

Jessica Dawson, Executive Assistant

613-747-6022

j.dawson@abo-peoples.org

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