The Centre is saddened to learn of the passing of Ronald “Bud” Sparrow, a member of the Musqueam First Nation.
Bud was the defendant in the renowned Sparrow case [R v. Sparrow], one of the most important Indigenous rights cases in Canadian history. Although the case was specifically about the right to fish, the ruling set an important precedent for Indigenous rights.
A commercial fisherman for more than 50 years, Bud was known in the Musqueam community for providing fish for Elders and community members. In 2011 he was awarded a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his dedication to fishing and conservation.
“Ronald (Bud) Sparrow was a champion for the rights of First Nations fishers and for the protection of the lands and resources of all B.C. First Nations. The Sparrow family and Musqueam First Nation fought racism and discrimination against the rights of First Nations through four levels of court over six years to get a landmark ruling in 1990 that recognized that rights to fish were not extinguished or lost,” says Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Aki-kwe, Academic Director of the Centre.
“These rights to fish, to continue the cultural and economic practices of a people are integral to our Constitution and must be upheld. To this day, Musqueam is known for its clear leadership nationally on this vital issue. There is deep sadness with the passing of Ronald Sparrow and his family and community have my condolences, and gratitude for standing up to racism, discrimination and denial of rights.”
He passed away on Monday, September 14.
