Powley Case
Métis Nation mourns
the passing of Steve Powley
OTTAWA (February 23, 2004) ---The Métis Nation lost one of its greatest fighters today. At about one thirty this morning Steve Powley died after a long battle with diabetes. He had spent the last few days
in a Sault Ste. Marie hospital. Steve was in his fifty sixth year. He is survived by his wife Brenda, his four children, Paul, Evelyn, Roderick and Kimberley and three grand-children, Jerri-Lee, Anthony and Aaron.
In 1992 he undertook the biggest battle of his life. He and his son Roddy shot a moose to provide food for his family for the winter. Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources charged him and Roddy for hunting without a licence. From the Provincial Court of Ontario to the Supreme Court of Canada, over almost a decade, Steve won every case. His landmark victory was announced by the Supreme Court of Canada on September 19, 2003.
"This is a mournful day for the Métis people", said Tony Belcourt, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario. "Steve Powley was a giant of a man whose determination to seek justice for Métis rights has changed the course of history for the Métis Nation. He is a hero to his people who have been left a legacy that will last forever. We grieve at his passing. Our hearts go out to his family in their time of great sorrow", Mr. Belcourt added.
"Steve Powley's strength and commitment will always be honoured by the Métis Nation", said Jean Teillet, Legal Counsel to Steve and Rod Powley. "We loved him. His name will live on in our hearts and in our memories. "
Clement Chartier, President of the Métis National Council (MNC) said, "The Métis Nation pays tribute today to Steve Powley, who through his perseverance exemplified the on-going spirit of the Métis in standing up to injustice. His commitment to his family and to the Métis Nation has contributed to the incremental re-establishment of our people's rights. For this he will always be remembered."
"Getting to know Steve and his family over the years was one of the highlights of working on the Métis Nation's 'hunt for justice'" said, Jason Madden, General Counsel to the MNC. "Steve Powley was a strong and proud Métis man, a hunter who stood up for what he believed in, and, in the process, changed reality for Métis people in this country forever."
After the Supreme Court Decision Steve told reporters, "I would have been happy with them saying, 'yes, we were Métis and we do exist', but we got the whole ball of wax that we initially went to court for. It was just amazing. People were yelling and screaming...At first I didn't see the importance, but as the years went on I realized it's not just helping my sons and daughters and grand-children. It's helping all Métis."
Steve was proud of his Métis heritage and fiercely proud of his family. All those who had the privilege of knowing Steve would agree that his selfless generosity knew no bounds.
Condolences may be sent by mail to:
Brenda Powley and Family
119 Chestnut Street
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
P6B 2C9
Condolences may also be sent by fax to Brenda Powley and Family, c/o Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council, Fax Number: 1-705-254-3515
The Métis Nation of Ontario has developed a special web page at: www.metisnation.org in memory of Steve Powley. Messages and tributes may be sent by email to: forsteve@metisnation.org.
for further information contact:
Beverley J. Newton
Métis Nation of Ontario
500 Old St. Patrick Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9G4
T: 613-798-1488, X123
TF: 800-263-4889
F: 613-722-4225
|
