Rest in Power Arthur Manuel

Dear Friends,

I have spent the last week trying to digest the loss of a giant in our collective community. Last week Arthur Manuel began his journey to the spirit world and we lost one of the most profound Indigenous rights leaders, friend, mentor, and a core inspiration for Indigenous Climate Action. His sudden passing has left many of us shocked and saddened.

After attending his funeral service this weekend I realized that while we may have lost a great man, he would have wanted us to continue this important work. I left feeling empowered and inspired to continue carrying the torch of his life's work - to stand up for Indigenous peoples rights.

Saturday morning we will be be honouring Arthur Manuel at the opening pipe ceremony at our National Steering Committee meeting. The pipe ceremony will be led by local Elder Chickadee Richard.

Arthur Manuel and Indigenous Climate Action

Arthur Manuel was a strong voice and advocate for Indigenous rights and sovereignty and emboldened many of us, and our allies, to speak up against the colonial institutions that maintain illegitimate authority over Indigenous territories.

Since the inception of ICA, Art was a champion for the work to ensure Indigenous leadership on climate change. His insights provided foundational elements for how we want to approach our work and foster a culture of decolonization.

To honour his legacy, we want to ensure our National Steering Committee meeting lifts up Art’s contributions and builds on the movement of Indigenous leadership that is confronting colonial structures and destroying the lands and waters we rely on.