Northern Advocate For Metis People Passes Away

Monday, August 29, 2011 at 15:17

 

 

A well-known Metis politician has passed away.

 

Over the weekend Philip Chartier died after a long battle with cancer.

 

A longtime advocate of Metis self-governance, Chartier worked tirelessly on many social, cultural and economic development projects.

 

He also worked to advance Metis hunting rights and constitutional rights.

 

Marlene Hansen is the area director for the Clearwater Clearlake Region.

 

She says Chartier enjoyed talking with grass-roots citizens and always stood up for Metis rights – even when the chips were down.

 

“Well it’s a great loss to the Metis.  Phillip was definitely one of my role models, I worked with him for a long time.  He helped me to recognize my identity and the importance of it. ”

 

She adds even though Chartier was passionate about his causes he could still leave politics at the table.

 

Meantime his Uncle, Clem Chartier of the Metis National Council, says his nephew’s passing will leave a hole in the Metis Movement.

 

Clem says Phillip was instrumental in launching the Metis Land Claim of 1994, set up a Metis Rights Defence Fund for Fishers and Trappers, and had lately started to work at establishing a museum in Buffalo Narrows.

 

“Well yes he never did give up the struggle.  He was always very cheerful but at times expressed great disappointment as well.  He was able to bring out the best in everybody.  He could laugh and he could be serious.   I think everybody throughout this province and most of the leadership in the Metis Nation homeland know of him and respect him for the work he has done.”

 

Phillip Chartier is survived by his wife Annie and their five children.

 

His funeral will be held at the Lakeview Complex in Buffalo Narrows at 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon.