Stamp honours First Nations leader George Manuel, whose work spanned globe

VANCOUVER — Canada Post has unveiled a stamp depicting First Nations political leader George Manuel, part of a series of three stamps being released to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day this month.

Manuel, who died in 1989, was a champion of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and beyond, known for his work as co-founder of the Center for World Indigenous Studies and founding president of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples.

Canada Post says Manuel is being recognized for his efforts to improve the social, economic and political conditions of First Nations people, and contributing to the inclusion of Indigenous and treaty rights in the Constitution.

It says Manuel was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The stamp depicting Manuel, a member of the Shuswap Nation in British Columbia, was unveiled Monday in North Vancouver, at a ceremony attended by his children George Manuel Jr., and Doreen Manuel.

A stamp honouring Nellie Cournoyea, a champion of her people in Canada’s western Arctic, was unveiled on Sunday, while a third stamp will depict Métis activist Thelma Chalifoux.

The stamps will be released on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2023.

The Canadian Press