Gitxsan artist and legendary indigenous rights icon Delgamuukw, also known as Earl Muldon, formerly Muldoe, has died.
He passed away on Monday (Jan 3) at the age of 85.
In 1997, Muldon stood alongside Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan Chiefs during the Supreme Court of Canada’s Decision.
The case concerned the extent and content of Aboriginal rights title and the Supreme Court of Canada observed that Aboriginal Title had a constituted right.
Additionally, in 1990, Muldon was honoured with the hereditary name.
While being an Indigenous rights leader, he is also a world renowned artist and carver.
His work is known to preserve North Coast Native design and to share Gitxsan arts and culture.
Muldon also received awards including the BC Achievement Fulmer award in 2009 for First Nations Art and the Order of Canada in 2010.
According to Wilp Delgamuukw, a private ceremony is being planned due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A procession is expected to be held today (Wednesday) from Smithers to Hazelton.