By Melissa Ridgen
APTN National News
Winnipeg – Thousands poured into the halls of the Manitoba Legislature Monday afternoon to pay final respects to a man whose impact on history was greater than the humility and simplicity that friends and family say embodied Elijah Harper.
Singing and drumming echoed through the building as an honour guard and First Nations dignitaries, including Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, greeted those who came to say goodbye and thank you to the man they say dedicated his life to fighting for his people in a quiet but powerful way.
“Elijah not only advanced the issues of First Nations people but built bridges with the non-Aboriginal community. He used his personality to really engage people in the issues and make people care,” said Manitoba Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eric Robinson.
Harper found himself in the national spotlight in 1990 when as an NDP MLA, he stood in the Manitoba legislature, an eagle feather in hand, and refused with a simple “no” to support the Meech Lake Accord. The package to gain Quebec’s acceptance of the Constitution Act of 1982 was not, he said, negotiated with input of Aboriginal people. And so began a filibuster that ultimately prevented the Manitoba Assembly from ratifying the accord and it died on paper.
“The spirit Elijah had in this legislature continues today,” said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger. “He was a humble person very focused on the needs of his people. Not at all flashy, but he spent his entire life working on issues affecting his people and he did so in the context of being a Canadian.”
First Nations leaders from across the country stood in line with regular folks who battled gusty winds and driving rain to pay their respects. Harper’s nephew Clifford Harper, said it was a fitting tribute to a true leader.
“Elijah’s dad prayed for him every day his son would make a difference and he sure did,” said Clifford Harper, who traveled with his wife and daughters from their home community of Red Sucker Lake in northern Manitoba to Winnipeg. “His purpose in life was to unite people. That’s the beauty of his life.”
Harper died May 17 in Ottawa from cardiac arrest caused by diabetes complications, his family said in a statement.
“Five hours after he passed away, an earthquake happened in the Ottawa Valley not far from Meech Lake. I believe from the bottom of my heart that it wasn’t a coincidence,” said Clifford Harper, referring to the 5.2-magnitude quake that hit Friday at 9:43 a.m.
Harper’s body was to lie in state until 5 p.m. CT Monday followed by a funeral service to be held at the Glory and Peace Church beginning at 7 p.m.
More to come.
