Hundreds remember aboriginal leader Elijah Harper

The former MLA and Meech Lake Accord opponent died on Friday at the age of 64. (file image)

Mourners gathered at the Legislative Building where the body of aboriginal leader Elijah Harper was on display Monday afternoon.

The aboriginal leader and politician died Friday from complications due to diabetes. He was famous for opposing the Meech Lake Accord.

Hundreds lined up to pay their respects. “I would have to think that Elijah would be really pleased with what's going on today,” said Terry Vestur, who knew Harper.

“He took responsibility for himself, ‘I am not going to be a victim, I am going to be a person of purpose,’” said pastor Michael Efezino of Glory and Peace Church, which hosted a formal service for Harper Monday evening.

As an MLA in 1990, Harper stalled debate for the Meech Lake Accord by saying ‘No,’ holding an eagle feather as he sat in the Manitoba Legislature. Harper believed if Quebec signed onto the constitution, it would do nothing for Canada's aboriginals.

Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo remembers another side to Harper. “He is also a man who said ‘Yes,’ ‘Yes’ to healing and reconciliation and building bridges, between First Nations and Canadians.

The province said it's committed to that relationship. “We continue to look for opportunities to ensure aboriginal people in Manitoba and across the country have their access to education, jobs, essential services,” said Premier Greg Selinger.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said his passing is a call to youth to ensure Harper's legacy doesn't die with him.

“We have to recognize that there's still a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done and we need to build on the foundation that he laid for us,” he said.

The official burial for Elijah Harper will take place on Thursday in his community of Red Sucker Lake.

- With a report by Rajeev Dhir