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In a statement by his family, Manuel was described as “one of our most determined and outspoken Secwepemc leaders and activists — a pillar in the resistance, known globally for his tireless advocacy for Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination.”

They also described him as “a teacher and a mentor to many.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, praised Manuel, who also served as chair of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, leader and spokesman for the Interior Alliance, and was a member of the UBCIC’s Chief Council.

“Arthur Manuel was, without question, one of Canada’s strongest and most outspoken indigenous leaders in the defence of our indigenous land and human rights,” said Phillip, noting that Manuel travelled extensively “in his unwavering and relentless efforts to champion the cause of our indigenous rights.”

Photo by Ward Perrin / VANCOUVER SUN

In a statement, Premier Christy Clark called Manuel “one of the first and most-effective advocates of lasting reconciliation, working tirelessly and patiently through organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.”

B.C. NDP leader John Horgan said Manuel “brought his strong and committed voice to the national discussion of justice, land claims and human rights on behalf of British Columbia’s indigenous peoples, and his voice will be missed.”

In 2007, Manuel was quoted in The Vancouver Sun as saying: “We are entitled to some form of benefit from every dollar that’s earned in this country. They have to understand that our land is the basis of the Canadian economy. Without our land, there is no economy.”