Hamba kahle, Tata Madiba. Jessugamadeytakoch etibimshiniyn. Rest in peace.

NEMASKA, EEYOU ISTCHEE, QC, Dec. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - The Grand Council of the Crees and the James Bay Cree People, Eenou, are mourning the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and express our deepest condolences to the people of South Africa.

The Grand Council of the Crees stood in solidarity with South Africans during the struggle against apartheid in Canada and internationally including at the United Nations.  We were welcomed in South Africa and welcomed them in Eeyou Istchee.

"We drew strength and inspiration from Mandela and his African National Congress comrades' astounding defiance, determination, humility, patience, restraint and their ultimate commitment to a moral reconciliation," said Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come.  "The long walk to freedom is still underway in South Africa and also in Australia, the United States, Canada and New Zealand to name a few."

"We celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela," said Bill Namagoose, Executive Director of the Grand Council. "He was a beacon of hope in the ongoing global struggle against colonialism, racism, sexism, oppression, dispossession and landlessness."

SOURCE: The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)

Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)

Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come
Telephone: [phone]

Bill Namagoose, Executive Director
Telephone: [phone]