Tribute to NDP Leader Jack Layton-a Friend to First Nations

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NAN STATEMENT ON PASSING OF NDP LEADER JACK LAYTON
8/22/2011

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy, on behalf of the NAN Executive Council, released the following statement today regarding the passing away of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jack Layton.

“We were shocked and saddened to hear the news that NDP Leader Jack Layton had passed away, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family. As a politician, Jack was looked at as a friend to the people of Nishnawbe Aski. He was a strong leader that understood the social struggles facing First Nations. He understood our aspirations to create a stronger and more economically-sound future for our children. Jack will be greatly missed,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities in James Bay Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5 – an area covering two thirds of the province of Ontario.
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August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.

Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.

I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.

I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.

A few additional thoughts:

To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.

To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.

To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.

To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.

To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the altern atives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton

Express your condolences
http://www.ndp.ca/express_your_condolences

Donate to the Broadbent Institute
http://links.ndp.ca/a/l.x?t=jkmhajblpcb ... ip&M=9&v=4

[admin]

August 22, 2011

Elders, Leaders, Chiefs and Staff of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Opposition Leader Jack Layton.

"Without question, Jack Layton will be greatly missed," declared Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

"Jack, in his tireless quest to advance the issues of social justice, found the time on many occasions to walk with us and offer his unconditional support to the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. For this, we shall be eternally grateful," added Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack Layton's wife, Olivia Chow and all members of his bereaved family," concluded Grand Chief Phillip.
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August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.

Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.

I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.

I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.

A few additional thoughts:

To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.

To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.

To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.

To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.

To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the altern atives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton

Express your condolences
http://www.ndp.ca/express_your_condolences

Donate to the Broadbent Institute
http://links.ndp.ca/a/l.x?t=jkmhajblpcb ... ip&M=9&v=4

[admin]

OTTAWA,
Aug. 22, 2011
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today responded to the news of the passing of the Leader of the Official Opposition, Jack Layton:

"I and my family are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Layton. Jack was a friend to me and to so many leaders across Canada. Jack understood the challenges of poverty and was determined to give voice to all struggles including our struggle for fairness, equity and justice."

"Jack had such a unique ability to connect with and listen to people. Jack was accessible to everyone. We all grew to quickly appreciate his deep sincerity in supporting our issues in the best way possible. Jack will be greatly missed by First Nation leaders across this country and by so many Canadians. He was a remarkable and inspirational leader for all peoples. "

"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and the national executive, I offer my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Olivia Chow and the entire Layton family at this difficult time.

As I reflect today, I know that Jack's fearless determination to advance a better day for everyone is a powerful and instructive legacy for all leaders and for Canadians."
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August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.

Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.

I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.

I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.

A few additional thoughts:

To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.

To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.

To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.

To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.

To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the altern atives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton

Express your condolences
http://www.ndp.ca/express_your_condolences

Donate to the Broadbent Institute
http://links.ndp.ca/a/l.x?t=jkmhajblpcb ... ip&M=9&v=4

[admin]

August 22, 2011 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, expressed deep sadness on the untimely death of Opposition Leader Jack Layton.

“Jack Layton was a remarkable Canadian,” said Simon. “With his passing, Inuit have lost a friend and advocate.”

Layton was a key supporter of strategic investments in the Canadian Arctic to address gaps in health care and social services, and he believed in the importance of partnership with Inuit in all issues affecting the Arctic.

Simon extended her condolences to Layton’s wife, Olivia Chow, MP for Trinity Spadina, and the entire Layton family, as well as to Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel and the NDP caucus.

[admin]

Métis Nation sends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jack Layton

Ottawa, ON – (August 22, 2011) The Métis Nation sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of federal opposition leader Jack Layton after losing his second battle to cancer, this morning.

Métis National Council President Clément Chartier says “this is a big loss for all Canadians – Mr. Layton’s optimism, leadership and ability to engage the citizens of Canada will be missed. He was focused on the people of this country, worked diligently to share his vision, and brought the New Democratic Party of Canada into prominence – it is unfortunate that he will not have the opportunity to experience the change in Canada that he was able to ignite.”

[admin]

Native Women’s Association of Canada

Ottawa, ON (August 22, 2011)

It is with great sympathy that the Native Women’s Association of Canada mourns the loss of Jack Layton. We wish to express our condolence to the families of Jack Layton and Olivia Chow. Mr. Layton was a long time champion and supporter of Aboriginal rights in Canada. He often met with Aboriginal organizations, participated in events and spoke out in support with passion and sincere concern.

Mr. Layton was also instrumental in assisting the Native Women’s Association of Canada in bringing issues of national concern to the forefront. Mr. Layton will be greatly missed not only as a charismatic leader on the Canadian political landscape but more importantly, as a compassionate human being who genuinely cared about his fellow Canadians, particularly those in need.

He will be missed by many of our Aboriginal women who have met him on many occasions and had come to value his commitment to families and future generations.

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell
President
The Native Women’s Association of Canada

[admin]

THE CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES ACKNOWLEDGES THE PASSING OF HON. JACK LAYTON

23 August 2011

National Chief Betty Ann Lavallee sends her condolences on behalf of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples at the loss of a great leader and a champion of change

August 23, 2011 – Ottawa, ON: The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is deeply saddened by the passing of the Hon. Jack Layton, Leader of the Official Opposition.

“On behalf of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and support to his wife, Hon. Olivia Chow, his family, friends and all those whose life he has touched,” offers National Chief Betty Ann Lavallée. “Today, as we mourn the loss of a leader, we celebrate the strength and spirit of a Canadian who fought for equality, social justice and a better world for our children.”

“Mr. Layton led his party with kindness, generosity and respect that touched the nation. His advocacy for Aboriginal peoples and the heartfelt apology to the Residential School Survivors, gave our communities hope that a brighter future is ahead.”

“His optimism continued into his final words for a country he loved so dearly. Mr. Layton leaves behind a powerful legacy of hope, optimism and love for all Canadians. He will be greatly missed.”

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples as a National Aboriginal Organization represents the interests of off-reserve non-status and status Indians and Métis Aboriginal Peoples living in urban, rural, remote and isolated areas throughout Canada. We are also the national voice for the constituency and their affiliate organizations making up the Congress family of advocates for the off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.

[admin]

August 22, 2011

Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief issued the following statement on the passing of NDP leader Jack Layton.

"On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Mr. Jack Layton as they grieve his untimely passing. He was a passionate and wise man who advocated tirelessly for the rights of First Nations Peoples.

Mr. Layton would consistently call attention to the poverty experienced by First Nations communities and the need to take concrete action to address this problem.

He sought to ensure that his concerns were shared by all Canadians - to essentially show people that the problems of one segment of society are really the problems of the whole."

[admin]

August 23, 2011

Anishinabek Nation is holding a special ceremony for NDP leader, on Thursday.

Elder Gordon Waindubence would like to invite you to a special ceremony for the late Honourable Jack Layton. In recognition of Mr. Layton's dedication to First Nations and human rights issues, Elder Gordon Waindubence will be conducting the ceremony at the Anishinabek Nation head office on Thursday, August 25 at 9:00 a.m.

The ceremony will be open to Anishinabek Nation citizens and the public. Union of Ontario Indians Head Office, 1 Miigizi Mikan, Nipissing First Nation, Ontario.

9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

[admin]

August 24, 2011

"Mr. Layton's strength, sincerity and passion will continue through all those he inspired," according to a statement released this week by leaders of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI), who offered heart-felt condolences to Jack Layton's family and colleagues on the unfortunate passing of "one of Canada’s most compassionate leaders".

The AIAI leaders said his battle with cancer "never diminished his commitment to achieving social equality and justice for all groups, including First Nations".

An AIAI news release stated: Mr. Layton's leadership brought the NDP into a strong era of relations with First Nations. He always made their thoughts and concerns a priority and worked hard to make them heard in Parliament. He played a vital role in the 2008 residential school apology and used his influence to bring First Nation leaders face-to-face with Parliamentarians.

"Mr. Layton was always willing to stand with our leaders on any issue and he will be truly missed", remarked personal friend Chief Bryan LaForme of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation.

Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish expressed, "It saddens me that Jack Layton will leave a personal void in the lives of many First Nations people and Canadian citizens. He is a champion and I am sure that he will continue to be charismatic, optimistic, and passionate in his new journey."

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Tributes continue to flow, as First Nations leaders issue statements regarding the passing of NDP leader Jack Layton. . .

August 24, 2011

The First Nations Summit in BC stated: "Jack Layton touched all of our hearts. We deeply appreciate his efforts in supporting and advancing issues affecting Aboriginal peoples. He cared about our issues and wanted to make a difference. In particular we remember his positive contributions in supporting the apology of Canada to the survivors of Indian Residential Schools. In thanking Jack, we offer our deep and humble respects to a true and determined warrior. On behalf of the First Nations of British Columbia we offer our prayers to Olivia Chow and the Layton family as they grieve the loss of a dear loved one."

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

August 27, 2011

Since his passing, Jack Layton has been the subject of a historic First Nations' tribute and seemingly collective eulogy to a Canadian politician . . .

The AFN National Chief's blessing ceremony, and presentation of a feather to the wife of NDP leader Jack Layton, was among the highlights of his funeral in Toronto today.

atleoatlaytonstatefuneral.gif (83.74 KiB) Viewed 5416 times

(VIEW THE VIDEO:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/canews-2 ... 40554.html )

Shawn Atleo was among the hundreds of dignitaries who attended what the church Minister Reverand Brent Hawkes referred to as the "celebration of life" of the federal Opposition Leader, who died after a lengthy, often-heroic battle with cancer.

Shawn Atleo's words of respect and the presentation of the First Nations highest honour (an eagle feather) to Olivia Chow, capped a week of statements by numerous First Nations leaders across the country.

"Please accept my condolences and condolences from so many Indigenous peoples from coast to coast to coast," said the National Chief as he performed a ceremony to invoke and call on the ancestors "to bring their medicine and support for the family".

Atleo, with great traditional meaning and reverence, he shook a sacred thunderbird rattle held close to the eagle feather in his right hand, "having asked the ancestors to assemble . . . we speak directly to the spirit" expressing a deep gratitude for a great life - of a great man "who made people feel special" . . ."we support him in his journey" . . . "and offer medicine to one another" said Atleo as he spread eagle down feathers on the floor, just a few feet from the Canadian maple leaf flag-draped casket.

The AFN leader offered a special chant in his Nuu chah nulth language "with this chant we express our thanks and gratitude to Jack".

Throughout this past week Inuit, Metis and First Nations leaders acknowledged Layton as a good friend, and always a strong supporter of their rights and their fight for fairness and justice in Canada.

It has been an unprecedented flow of emotions and words for a federal politician, from Aboriginal Canadians whose recognition of Jack Layton's contributions, seemed to clearly reflect the general sentiments of the thousands expressed throughout the country.

What was the politician's trait that best characterized him,
and the reason why so many are grieving the country's loss?

In the words of National Chief Atleo today, "Jack was such a man of the people".
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REACTION TO LAYTON"S PASSING:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9014