The world needs more leaders like Leonard George.
George was a visionary and tireless advocate for the advancement of First Nations peoples. We need to pick up where George left off and continue to empower Indigenous youth.
A profound, spiritual man, George took a measured and insightful approach to economic negotiations at home and around the globe. Imagine if other world leaders took this approach. We wouldn’t be worrying about a potential nuclear war at the moment.
In our neck of the woods, families have been able to purchase a relatively affordable home in Raven Woods, introducing new people to community and allowing those who grew up here to stay. This is because George spearheaded Takaya Developments and paved the way for the Raven Woods community, which continues to grow today.
More importantly, that partnership with developers and the District of North Vancouver, which George nurtured, allowed the Tsleil-Waututh to become financially self-sufficient. Even in an economic downturn, George was able to employ most of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
We commend George’s peaceful fight to protect the traditional Tsleil-Waututh lands along the shores of the inlet from environmental threats. He believed blood was thicker than oil.
George had a sense of humour and a genuine smile for everyone. The best way we can honour him is to be kind.
