The Nisga’a Nation is mourning the loss of Thomas Berger, long time legal counsel to the Nisga’a Nation and advocate of Aboriginal rights in B.C., Canada and beyond.
The Nisga’a Lisims Government is extending its condolences to Berger’s family on behalf of a grateful Nisga’a Nation. Berger was one of the preeminent legal figures in the history of B.C. Among Berger’s accomplishments is the Calder case, which he took all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1973. Although lost the case it resulted in the Supreme Court’s recognition of Aboriginal title as a legal right based on occupation of traditional territories.
Nisga’a President Eva Clayton said in a news release, “Today we lost a champion, trusted partner and friend. Thomas Berger worked tirelessly to help the Nisga’a make our case and the Nisga’a Nation is eternally grateful.”
In recognition of his service to the Nisga’a Nation, Berger was adopted by the Nisga’a House of Wilps Hleek and given the Nisga’a Name Halaydim Xlaawit, which means Shaman of Xlaawit.
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