Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief, Betty Ann Lavallée CD (Ret’d), issued the following statement regarding the passing of Aboriginal leader, Elijah Harper this morning in Ottawa.
“On behalf of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, I would like to personally send my condolences to the family and friends of Elijah Harper who passed away this morning in Ottawa. As we all know Elijah was a great Leader who stood up for what he believed in. His refusal to accept the Meech Lake Accord because it was negotiated without the input of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples illustrates his unwavering commitment.
“You will be missed but never forgotten.”
Since 1971, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (Formerly known as the Native Council of Canada) has been the National Representative Organization and the National Voice for the constituency and their Affiliate Organizations making up the Congress’ family of advocates for the Off-Reserve, Non-Status, and Status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit Aboriginal Peoples living in urban, rural remote and isolated areas throughout Canada.