APTN National News
Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper died of cardiac failure due to diabetes complications Friday.
He was 64.
Harper is best known for his role in the Meech Lake Accord.
His wife, Anita Olsen Harper, and children issued a statement Friday morning.
“Elijah was a wonderful man, father, partner,” the statement said. “He was a true leader and visionary in every sense of the word. He will have a place in Canadian history, forever, for his devotion to public service and uniting his fellow First Nations with pride, determination and resolve.
Harper was born on March 3, 1949 at Red Sucker Lake First Nation in northeastern Manitoba. He was educated at residential school and later studied at the University of Manitoba.
He began his career in public service when he was elected chief of his community at 29-years-old.
In 1981, he was elected as Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for Rupertsland, an office he held for 11 years. He was the first elected First Nations person to serve as MLA. In 1996, he was appointed to the Manitoba cabinet as Minister without portfolio for Native Affairs, and in 1997, as minister of Northern Affairs.
He was recognized as Newsmaker of the Year by the Canadian Press in 1990 for raising an eagle feather while refusing unanimous consent of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
The iconic gesture sealed the fate of the Meech Lake Accord.
“Elijah will also be remembered for bringing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together to find a spiritual basis for healing and understanding. We will miss him terribly and love him forever,” the family said.
In 1993, Harper was elected for one term as Member of Parliament for the Churchill riding. In January 1998, he served a term as commissioner for the Indian Claims Commission.
Red Sucker Lake First Nation bestowed him the title of honourary chief for life for his heroic work. He is also the recipient of the Commemorative Medal of Canada, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Order of Merit from St. Paul’s University, the Order of the Sash from the Manitoba Metis Federation, and the Gold Eagle Award from the Indigenous Women’s Collective in Manitoba.
Following his active career in public service, Harper spent much of the rest of his life visiting First Nations, meeting with Indigenous leaders across North America, working with charities, and doing international humanitarian work.
Elijah is survived by his wife, children Bruce and Holly and step-children Karen Lawford, Dylan, Gaylen and Grant Bokvist. He is predeceased by his daughter Tanya.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once they are known.
a role mole for all first nations!
RIP Elijah.Mussi cho for the huge contributions you made for our people and communities. My deepest sympathy to Anita and family. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
So very sad. My condolences to Mr Harper’s family and friends.
Prayers for Elijah’s family and Loved ones <3 When I was in Grade 11, he became a hero to me for what he did with Meech Lake Accord <3
He was a great man, and he had a huge impact on me.
very sorry to hear this. He was one of my heroes . He will be remembered, loved, and missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Of all the First Nations leaders in the past half century, Elijah Harper was probably the one who did the most to bring national and international credit and fame to his race. He was a very great man.
Rest in peace, Elijah. You will be remembered forever in our hearts.
Madjashin, Elijah. Kichi meegwetch for everything you have done.