First Nations Summit Statement on the Passing of Arthur Manuel

Vancouver, BC— It is with great sadness that First Nations Summit leaders learned yesterday of the loss of prominent BC First Nations leader Arthur Manuel, who passed away on Wednesday evening.

Mr. Manuel’s death marks a great loss, not only for his own community of Neskonlith, but the entire Secwepemc Nation. He will be remembered as a respected indigenous leader in the many capacities he held over the past 40 plus years, including terms as Chief of Neskonlith Indian Band, Chair of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Delgamuukw Implementation Strategic Committee and co-chair of the North American Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Mr. Manuel worked tirelessly to close the social and economic gaps faced by his people and advocated for the recognition and protection of the inherent title and rights of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

The First Nations Summit sends deepest condolences to the Manuel family, the community of Neskonlith and the Secwepemc Nation.

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The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The Summit is also a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.

For further information:

Colin Braker, Communications Director, FNS, Phone: 604-926-9903

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