Respected Tsleil-Waututh Nation leader, environmental activist and actor Leonard George passed away Wednesday afternoon after a long battle with throat cancer. George was 71.
While he had been sick for a while, his nephew, Rueben George, says his uncle’s passing was a bit unexpected.
“He was doing so good,” said Rueben on Thursday. “It was scary at times but then he started doing really well.”
Tributes for Leonard, who leaves behind a large legacy, poured in from coast to coast after news of his death broke.
Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould tweeted Thursday she was “very saddened to hear of the passing of Leonard George.”
Leonard had a worldwide reach with his advocacy work. He was an adviser to the United Nations and helped developed policies to benefit First Nations people.
A champion of the environment, Leonard was also a spokesperson for the Jane Goodall Society.
“Chief Leonard George from Vancouver speaks to my very soul with his singing and the voice of his drum – the urgent, insistent, yet infinitely patient heartbeat of Mother Earth," wrote Goodall in her memoir, Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey.
Closer to home, members of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation are mourning the loss of the natural born leader, who leaves behind his wife of more than 40 years, Susan, and their three sons, Justin, Gabriel and Zac. Two other sons tragically predeceased him, including one who died from sudden infant death syndrome.
Rueben recalled what made Leonard so likeable.
“He had a presence. He had a beautiful presence and he had a sparkle in his eye and he was passionate,” said Rueben. “I think his legacy will for sure continue. He took time to mentor and to teach and to encourage everybody.”
The son of Oscar-nominated actor Chief Dan George, Leonard followed in his father’s footsteps on-screen and in life, according to Rueben.
Leonard had a celebrated career in cinema and was later offered lucrative roles, including the lead in Broadway shows, but he turned down the spotlight.
“He rejected those things because he wanted to move forward and help the Tsleil-Waututh people and the First Nations of Canada,” said Rueben. “He sacrificed his passion and his love for the arts.”
Tsleil-Waututh chief from 1989 to 2001, Leonard’s business savvy paved the way for the creation of Takaya Developments and the Raven Woods community.
He also mentored Tsleil-Waututh members and, through educational advocacy, empowered Indigenous youth.
The Tsleil-Waututh at one point achieved a two per cent unemployment rate and that’s because of Leonard, according to Rueben.
When Leonard became chief, adds Rueben, there was only a secretary and himself. Now the nation employs more than 150 people.
Leonard received much public recognition during his life, including a citizen award from the District of North Vancouver.
Mayor Richard Walton, mourning the news of Leonard's passing, said he was a friend and great spokesperson for the Tsleil-Waututh and the First Nations in B.C.
A former high school teacher, Walton first saw Leonard on film before he met him in person, in a documentary on the Dollarton squatters' era called Mudflats Living.
Leonard had a lot of respect for the people living in squatters shacks on the Dollarton waterfront, said Walton – even when the district tried to evict them.
Walton and Leonard sat down many times over the past 15 years during service agreement negotiations and other talks between the district and theTsleil-Waututh.
“Even when we were having issues we didn’t agree on, the relationship always overrode the passion," said Walton. "You knew that you could have the tough conversations but that he would always end up with a handshake and a firm look in the eye and a smile and you’d meet again.”
Walton watched during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics when, despite his poor health, Leonard walked proudly with the torch through Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen.
Rueben says his uncle’s determination and will to protect the Tsleil-Waututh lands will continue. Leonard helped organize a sacred fire ceremony at Whey-ah-Wichen in opposition to tanker traffic in the area.
Funeral services for Leonard will be held this Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. at the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Community Centre, 3010 Sleil-Waututh Rd., North Vancouver.
A traditional procession along Dollarton Highway to the Tsleil-Waututh Cemetery will follow, where Leonard will be buried near his beloved dad.
