A Tribute to Metis Rights Activist Harry Daniels

[www.abo-peoples.org]

October 1, 2004

Tribute to Harry Daniels in Ottawa

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A memorial service and celebration of the life of Harry W. Daniels will be held at Regina Beach on September 16th,2004 the date which would have been his 64th birthday.

Memorial Service for Harry W. Daniels at Regina Beach School

Sept. 15, 2004

Hundreds of friends, family and admirers of famed Metis leader, Harry W. Daniels, are expected to crowd into the Regina Beach School gymnasium tomorrow in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan for a memorial service and tribute.

The service and tribute is scheduled to begin at 3:30 on Thursday,
September 16, 2004 on what would have been Harry's 64th birthday.

Mr. Daniels passed away on September 6, 2004 after a long illness. He is survived by his partner Cheryl, sons Michael, Conway, Gabriel and Alexandre and daughters Chantelle and Chigal.

http://www.metisnation.org/harrywdaniels.html

Mr. Daniels' last public speech was a recounting of the moments during
the special House of Commons committee hearings on patriation of Canada's Constitution in 1981 when then Justice Minister, Jean Chrétien, agreed to include the "Metis" in the clause recognizing the rights of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. This was Harry's proudest moment.

His speech, given to the Metis in the 21st Century Conference last year in Saskatoon, will be available tonight on the special website created for Mr. Daniels at: http://www.metisnation.org/harrywdaniels.html
For further information: Tony Belcourt at 1-613-791-5056 or Murray
Hamilton at 1-306-975-7095
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Harry W. Daniels, 1940 – 2004, In Memorium

Harry W. Daniels, the preeminent 20th century leader of the Métis peoples of Canada died Monday, September 6,2004 in a Regina hospital after a long and courageous struggle with cancer.

As President of the Native Council of Canada (NCC) in 1981, he was primarily responsible for negotiating the constitutional recognition of Métis peoples into the Constitution Act, 1982.

As the national voice for Métis and Non-Status Indian organizations across Canada, the charismatic leader spearheaded a broad range of initiatives, both nationally and internationally, to achieve recognition of the Aboriginal and treaty rights of NCC constituents, and for equitable access to programs and services which, until then, had been limited to registered Indians on reserves.

Born in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan on September 16, 1940, Mr. Daniels was educated at the University of Saskatchewan and Carleton University.

Shortly before his death he received an Honourary Doctorate in Law from the University of Ottawa.

viewtopic.php?p=3880#3880

He served in an executive capacity in number of western Aboriginal organizations throughout the 1970s where he developed the flamboyant political style that earned him election to several executive offices at the NCC in the late 1970s and culminating as President in the early 1980s. He later served a President to the NCC’s successor organization, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in 1997-2000. He was Awarded the Aboriginal Order of Canada, and was the first NCC executive to be awarded an Honourary Presidency for life.

Fondly nicknamed as “Harry the Dog” or “Harry the Hat” by his colleagues, Mr. Daniels published several pamphlets and books on Métis and Non-Status Indian rights including: “A Declaration of Métis and Indian Rights” 1979; “We Are the New Nation” 1979; Native People and the Constitution of Canada” 1981. He formed and conducted two major national Commissions: one on Justice and another on the Aboriginal, Treaty and Constitutional rights of Aboriginal peoples.

He was also celebrated as a film and stage actor in several award-winning productions. He studied with the Manitoba Theatre Centre Studio and with Dora Mavor Moore’s New Play Society in Toronto.

http://www.turtleisland.org/photo/harrydaniels.jpg

In the international arena he called for United Nations pressure on Canada to meet its obligations to Aboriginal peoples in Canada. He led a delegation to the Fourth Russell International Tribunal, and participated in U.N. initiatives on Habitat and on the Environment. He served as a director of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples and received a Certificate of Completion from the International Peace Academy in Vienna.

“Harry will be sorely missed by the countless number of Aboriginal people who have been touched by his life and his work.” Said national Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Dwight A. Dorey. “On behalf of the Congress, I extend my sincere condolences to his family.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.
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For Information:

Jody Thompson
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Tel. (613) 747-6022
communications@abo-peoples.org

[www.uottawa.ca]

June 6, 2004 Harry Daniels received Honourary Doctorate of Law . . .

http://www.turtleisland.org/photo/hdaniels.jpg

Honorary Doctorate to Harry Daniels
presented by Bruce Feldthusen
Faculty of Law
2004/06/06

If it is true that the measure of a nation’s progress is the respect its institutions show to all citizens, than Canada owes Harry Daniels a tremendous debt of gratitude.

( Photos of Harry at Ottawa U ceremony honouring him http://www.turtleisland.org/photo/hdaniels2.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/photo/hdaniels3.jpg

pictured with Gilles Patry, Rector and Vice Chancellor and Hughette Labelle, Chancellor University of Ottawa )

Harry Daniels has dedicated a lifetime to the struggle for Aboriginal rights in this country, focussing most notably on the needs of Aboriginal peoples living in urban centres, as well as those of the Métis people.

In a career as distinguished as that of Mr. Daniels, it is not easy to point to a specific milestone as more outstanding than another, but I am sure he would agree with me that his work leading up to the patriation of the Constitution was one such defining moment.

In 1981, the provincial governments that opposed the Charter of Rights also opposed the Aboriginal Rights clause. One night in November, Mr. Daniels, then head of the former Native Council of Canada, found himself before a Parliamentary Committee justifying why his people, Canada’s Métis, should be recognized as one of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.

At one point, Senator Duff Roblin of Manitoba asked: “How do we know who is Métis?” Mr. Daniels’ response was categorical and definitive.

“We know who we are,” he said.

“We know the generations of discrimination we have endured; we don’t need anybody to tell us who we are.

“If you identify [yourself] as Ukrainian or Italian, we don’t question who you are or try to tell you who you are. We self-identify, just like everybody else in this country.” End of quote.

Harry Daniels steely resolve and logic were undeniable, and he won his case that day. The Métis remained in the Constitution.

Given his lifetime commitment to defending the interests of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples, and the many successes he has secured for his constituents, it is certainly fitting that Harry Daniels was honoured in March of this year at a National Conference organized by the Métis National Council.

Mr. Daniels has done more than most Canadians to bring together all the citizens of this great land, and to build a society founded on equality before the law, and mutual respect.

There is a passage from the 1979 Declaration of Métis and Aboriginal Rights that captures the spirit that I believe Harry Daniels has represented throughout his lifelong campaign. It goes like this:

“Métis nationalism is Canadian nationalism – We embody the true spirit of Canada and are the source of Canadian identity.

“The birth of the Métis Nation is at the crossroads of the Old and New Worlds where the European and Indian peoples came together. Our country is the home of people from all over the world. Their blood flows in our veins as does that of our Indian cousins. We have taken the best of both worlds to build the Métis Nation. Our home is Canada.” End of quotation.

That is an inspiring vision, and one that we can all embrace.

Chancellor, in the name of the Senate of the University of Ottawa, I present to you, for the degree of Doctor of the University, Harry Daniels, a man who has championed the rights of his people, and in so doing, has strengthened Canada, for the benefit of us all.


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Bon nombre de personnes se souviendront qu’au début des années 80, le premier ministre Trudeau et son gouvernement travaillaient avec détermination pour rapatrier la Constitution canadienne. Au même moment, les peuples autochtones du Canada faisaient preuve de la même détermination pour assurer le respect de leurs droits dans la nouvelle Constitution.

Il est rapidement devenu évident que toute démarche expéditive nécessiterait l’appui des Premières Nations et des autres Canadiens d’origine autochtone. Lorsque le premier ministre a ordonné à Jean Chrétien, alors ministre de la Justice, de négocier avec les dirigeants autochtones nationaux, c’est Harry Daniels qui défendait les droits des Indiens, des Inuits et des Métis.

Après ce triomphe, d’autres luttes ont suivi, et M. Daniels s’est toujours montré à la hauteur de la situation. Bien que son mandat à la présidence du Conseil national des Autochtones du Canada ait pris fin en 1981, Harry Daniels a continué de faire tout en son pouvoir pour défendre les intérêts des Métis et des Indiens non inscrits.

Il a travaillé sans relâche pour obtenir des ressources afin de venir en aide aux Canadiens d’origine autochtone vivant dans les villes. Et il s’est fermement opposé au projet de loi C-31, un amendement de 1985 à la Loi sur les Indiens, qu’il jugeait très imparfait et fort préjudiciable aux intérêts des Autochtones du Canada.

En 1997, il a accepté un nouveau mandat à la présidence du Congrès des peuples autochtones. Peu de temps après, il jouait un rôle d’importance dans un autre événement déterminant dans la progression des relations entre les communautés autochtones et non autochtones au Canada.

C’est ainsi que le 16 juin 1998, M. Daniels s’est joint à Ralph Goodale et Jane Stewart, les deux ministres fédéraux alors responsables des questions autochtones, pour signer un accord politique, un plan d’action qui visait à renouveler le partenariat entre le gouvernement du Canada et les peuples autochtones représentés par le Congrès. Il a dit à ce moment-là, et je cite : « Cet accord politique renouvelé est la réaffirmation, de la part de ces ministres, que le gouvernement du Canada s’engage pleinement à s’attaquer aux problèmes touchant la vie de tous les Autochtones au Canada, sans égard à leur lieu de résidence. »

Au cours des années qui ont suivi, Harry Daniels a tenté de s’attaquer à ces problèmes, surtout aux questions touchant l’environnement, qui, d’après lui, méritaient d’urgence qu’on s’y attarde. Il a aussi attiré l’attention sur la gouvernance urbaine, convaincu de l’importance croissante de cette question dans les années à venir.

[admin]

A Look Back at Some of the Words of Harry Daniels . . .

( Pictured here addressing United Native Nations AGM in BC in 1999 http://www.turtleisland.org/images/unn9.jpg )

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

September 7, 2004

A few years ago during breakfast at the Ramada Inn in Vancouver, BC, Harry Daniels sat down at the table next to me. He didn't know me, but I knew him by his reputation. My gut told me he was there to meet with the same person I was waiting for - a Metis associate, Fred Storey.
(I include his name, only to mollify any doubters of the veracity of my recollections)

For a miniscule moment, I think I caught Harry off guard, when I introduced myself and at the same time jumped to the conclusion of who he must be, and who he was there to meet. It wasn't Twilight Zone material, but we did have a good chuckle.

The only other time I was in the presence of this man they called Harry the Dog, was five years ago when he spoke at the United Native Nations AGM, at the Friendship Centre in Kelowna, BC.

When Harry Daniels spoke, you listened. His reputation as an opinionated, charismatic character, demanded your attention.

In person, he had an attractive presence, a glint, a spark. From a guy's perspective, you might say he was a 'man's man'. (If you want a woman's point of view about him, I suspect you will find no shortage of fascinating tales.)

On this day in August 1999, Harry Daniel's words reflected his age, his sage, and of course politics. After all, he was a veteran of many political battles, and was one of the most experienced, successful Metis, and off-reserve rights activists, this country has ever seen.

In a wide-ranging, off-the-cuff presentation, Daniels who at that time was the head of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, illustrated his zeal as a champion in the national fight on behalf of urban aboriginal people.

But he was a globe-trotter too, so he had a wider audience in mind. He expressed his concerns and belief that the real fight of the new century would be the state of our land and environment. "We can fight over health, education and all those other issues, but if we don't zero in on the environment, there will be nothing left." With his familiar bluntness he preached to the converted, "It's not Indians who are polluting. We've got to take back control of our environment."

He lambasted non-aboriginals for what they have done to the land and environment and he warned, "World population is going to double and they're going to want more of the resources. We've got to take issue with what's being done."

Harry Daniels was animated and emotional much of the time, but you could see and hear his passion for helping Aboriginal youth, "If people can't see themselves in the present, they can't see themselves in the future. We've got to provide opportunity for youth to find out about the past and consult with them on where they want to go." He called for all groups to work together on this critical issue, and others. "We need to organize around the issues, all Aboriginals must join together," he ended on a hopeful note.

He was an urban Aboriginal icon whose desire, fight and tenacity, helped Metis and non-status Indians shake the foundations of government.

As the legal challenges continue, I bet Harry Daniels will be there -watching, nudging, encouraging and overseeing his brothers and sisters from his lofty perch, to carry on the fight to give substance to Section 35.2 of the Constitution to, in His words . . . " straighten out the Constitution of Canada," to force Canada to fully recognize it's obligations and responsibilities to all Aboriginal people.

[Guest]

Métis Nation mourns the passing of Harry W. Daniels - A life long defender of Métis Rights

Sept. 7, 2004

On behalf of the Métis Nation, President Clément Chartier offers his regrets on the passing of Harry W. Daniels on September 6, 2004. "It is a sad day for the Métis Nation as we say goodbye to one of the great Métis leaders of our time. I offer my condolences to the Daniels family and wish them well during this time of mourning and remembrance." Mr. Daniels is survived by his partner, Cheryl, sons Michael, Conway and Gabriel and daughters, Chantelle, Chigal and Alexandra.

Mr. Daniels committed his life's work to the advancement of Aboriginal
people and will be remembered for playing a leading role in negotiating the express inclusion of the Métis into the Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis
inclusion in s.35 of the constitution "recognized and affirmed" the Aboriginal rights of the Métis which led to the historic Powley decision by the Supreme Court of Canada which upheld our Aboriginal right to harvest. "The inclusion of the Métis is s.35 has implications that will be felt for generations," said President Chartier, "It will continue to be a significant building block in strengthening the Métis Nation and will be Mr. Daniel's legacy to the future generations."

Earlier this year, on March 12, the Métis National Council honoured Mr.
Daniels for all his contributions to the Métis Nation when they presented him with the "Order of the Métis Nation". "The Métis National Council instituted the Order of the Métis Nation this year, to recognize the significant and historical contributions of our Métis citizens. "There was no doubt that Harry W. Daniels should be one of its first recipients," said President Chartier.

Mr. Daniels was known as a man with his own style; epitomizing that
unique Métis "joie de vivre" in the way he dressed and the way he talked. He was known for kicking up his heels in a jig or the two-step, whenever he had a chance or whenever the mood hit him. It was that passion for life and for the Métis way of life that endeared him to many, including those who would be political opponents. But those who thought that his personality meant that he was easy going at the negotiations table; soon found out that he was a brilliant and hard line debater who would not surrender his beliefs in the Métis Nation and Aboriginal rights.

During the constitutional negotiations, Mr. Daniels was asked, "Who are
the Métis?" Mr. Daniel's famous response, "We know who we are; we know the generations of discrimination we have endured; we don't need anybody to tell us who we are. If you identify as Ukrainian or Italian, we don't question who you are or try to tell you who you are. We self identify, just like everybody else in this country."

A memorial service and celebration of the life of Harry W. Daniels will
be held at Regina Beach on September 16, the date which would have been his 64th birthday.


For further information: Miles Morrisseau, Director of Communications,
(613) 232-3216, (613) 612-5753 (cell)

[www.metisnation.org]

Announcement - Passing of Harry W. Daniels


Metis Nation Mourns Passing of Harry W. Daniels

Sept. 7 , 2004

Metis leader Harry W. Daniels, who is credited with getting the name of the Metis people into Canada's Constitution, passed away the morning of September 6, 2004 in Regina, Saskatchewan at the age of 63. Born in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan, on September 16, 1941, he is survived by his partner Cheryl, sons Michael, Conway, Gabriel and daughters
Chantelle, Chigal and Alexandra.

An author, teacher and an actor, Harry W. Daniels was best known for his
lifelong dedication to gaining the respect and the recognition of the rights
of the Aboriginal Peoples. He worked at all levels in the Metis and Non-Status Indian movement in Canada, first with the Company of Young Canadians and later as President of the Native Council of Canada in the years 1975 - 1981 and 1997 - 2000.

It was during the period leading to patriation of Canada's Constitution that Harry was instrumental in ensuring that the clause recognizing Aboriginal and Treaty Rights was included in the Constitution Act, 1982 and that the 'Indians, the Inuit and the Metis' were named as one of the
Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.

Long time friend and confidante, Maria Campbell said, "the Metis
community has lost its most able statesman and courageous warrior." Murray Hamilton , a close friend who worked with him at Gabriel Dumont Institute said, "he will be greatly missed by all he knew and touched."

"Of all the people I have known personally for 35 years or more, I can't
think of anyone else who was more passionate about life and about the cause of the Metis than Harry", said Tony Belcourt, President of the Metis Nation of Ontario. "He had an infectious laugh, a great sense of humor and always had a great story to tell. But when it came to fighting for the cause of Metis rights, he could be tenacious. Thanks to the Great Spirit he was there at the time when the Metis Nation needed someone just like him to pull off what he did - getting Metis into the Constitution of Canada. Harry's drive and determination at that moment, like so many others in his life, led to a great legacy that will stand the tests of time."

A memorial service and celebration of the life of Harry W. Daniels will
be held at Regina Beach on September 16, the date which would have been his 64th birthday.


Comments from Professor Paul L. A. H. Chartrand, former Commissioner, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

PAUL L.A.H. CHARTRAND
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
College of Law
University of Saskatchewan
8:30 a.m.


Harry W. Daniels: IN MEMORIAM
-----------------------------


We mourn our departed brother.

He will be remembered for many things: for those who did not know him,
his great contributions to Canada, to the cause of Aboriginal peoples, and to his people, the Metis.

Those who knew Harry will remember his unsurpassed 'joie de vivre', his
sartorial elegance, his great depth of knowledge, his fondness for a good turn of phrase. An unsurpassed raconteur, he was an actor, a teacher, and a linguist.

To his friends, he was humble, kind, generous, and also gregarious,
lively, and at times hilariously funny.

Harry Daniels will share with Louis Riel the honour of having introduced
the rights of the Metis people in the Constitution of Canada: Riel in s.31 of
the Manitoba Act, 1870, and Harry in s.35 of the Constitution Act 1982.

I salute you, my brother, li grand chef di Michif, li Rouay Rouge. You
will be missed.

For further information: or to leave a message or tribute, visit the
website dedicated to the memory of Harry W. Daniels:
http://www.metisnation.org/harrywdaniels.html; Tony Belcourt (cellphone): 613-791-5056; Murray Hamilton (cellphone): 306-270-4580

[kanyon]

I salute the Metis people of Canada and Harry Daniels.
He was a passionate and articulate advocate for aboriginal peoples every where as well as being a faithful defender of Metis Rights in Canada.

Hugwalyain dear Chief, Hugwalyain..walk softly as you meet your forefathers, knowing that you have been faithful to your calling..Hugwalyain..

[Guest]

STATEMENT OF CONDOLENCE - HARRY W. DANIELS MÉTIS AND NON-STATUS INDIANS LEADER:

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (September 8, 2004) - Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians Andy Scott issued the following statement today on the passing of Harry W. Daniels, former President of the Native Council of Canada (NCC) and its successor, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).

“Mr. Daniels was a charismatic leader whose strong voice fought for the interests of Métis and Non-Status Indian people across the country. It is with great sadness that we learn our country has lost such a dedicated and courageous individual and I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Daniels’ family and friends.

During the constitutional talks of the 1970s and 1980s, Harry Daniels was key in ensuring that the rights of Aboriginal peoples were recognized in the Canadian Constitution. In particular, his efforts in getting the term Métis into Section 35 of the Act makes him one of our true historic Aboriginal icons. He served as NCC President in the early 1980s and as CAP President in 1997 through 2000. He was awarded the Aboriginal Order of Canada, as well as an Honourary Doctorate of Law from the University of Ottawa.

Mr. Daniels will be remembered for his strength of spirit, and the passion with which he lead the Métis and Non-Status Indian peoples of Canada.”

For further information please contact:

Patricia Valladao
Office of the Minister
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 994-7630

[Guest]

Obituary - Saskatoon Star Phoenix

Daniels, Harry W,
Published: 09/10/2004
Regina Beach, SK
DANIELS_Harry W., passed away on Monday, September 6, 2004 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by his parents, Henri Alfred Daniels and Emma McKay and one infant son. Harry is survived by his loving wife and partner, Cheryl. Also survived by the mothers of his children, Lenda and children, Conway, Gabriel and Chantelle; Janet and children, Chigal and Alexander; brother, Hughey (Liz); sisters, Louise (Jens) and Laurena; nephew, Jens Jr.; nieces, Melanie, Narissa, Robin and Jennifer; stepson, Richard Storkson and great-nieces Lisa and Emma.

A Celebration of Harry's life will be held at 3:30 P.M., Thursday, September 16, 2004 at Regina Beach School Auditorium, Regina Beach, SK Paragon Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 359-7776

[www.abo-peoples.org]

Event: A Tribute to Harry W. Daniels

Harry W. Daniels: inspiration, great leader, and the most influential Métis person since Louis Riel, will be remembered in a life celebration on Friday, October 1, 2004 at 2 p.m., at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, located at 12 Stirling Avenue, Ottawa.

As President of the Native Council of Canada (now CAP) in 1981, he was primarily responsible for negotiating the constitutional recognition of Métis peoples into the Constitution Act, 1982.

As the leader of the organization that represents the rights and interests of Métis and Non-Status Indians across Canada, Harry W. Daniels spearheaded a broad range of initiatives, both nationally and internationally, to achieve recognition of the Aboriginal and treaty rights of NCC/CAP constituents, and for equitable access to programs and services which, until then, had been limited to registered Indians on reserves.

What: A Celebration of the life of Harry W. Daniels
When: Friday, October 1, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Odawa Friendship Centre


Contact: Lorraine Foreman
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
(613) 747-6022