CHIEF BILL CRANMER

 THANK YOU CHIEF BILL CRANMER

Someone I met once or twice passed away recently. Chief Bill Cranmer was a strong and effective voice for the preservation of  First Nation language and culture. He led the repatriation of indigenous cultural objects including masks, bentwood boxes, and regalia.

Chief Cranmer worked tirelessly to retrieve the appropriated pieces and raise awareness about the need to preserve and maintain language, history and culture. His message resonates in the minds of many indigenous and non indigenous peoples today as I think more and more of us are realizing the impact of the atrocities imposed on the original settlers of the lands upon which we now all reside, by the manipulation  of the curious explorers sent here to conquer conquer conquer at all costs.

Chief Cranmer also negotiated economic treaties to develop businesses for his Nation to prosper — that has been an inspiration to other Nations across BC. 

His efforts in encouraging the preservation of First Nations’ traditions have also gone a very long way towards fleshing out the objectives of reconciliation. I can remember him saying, a long time ago, something about ancestry, roots, and cultural preservation as the foundation of all peoples: “It’s important to know your past if you are going to fight for your future.”   — those words were powerful then, now and should forever be. 

RIP Chief Cranmer. Gilakas’la (meaning thank you)