Defender of Treaty Trappers Passes Away

Friday, July 16, 2004 at 13:22

 

 

A funeral will be held in Pelican Narrows today for a long-time advocate of First Nations trappers.

 

Philip Ratt passed away in the community earlier this week at the age of 69.

 

Ratt served as a band councillor for the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, but might be best known for his work with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and for his time as president of the old Treaty Harvesters Association.

 

Peter Ballantyne Chief Ron Michel says back in the 1970s, Ratt acted as a liaison between the FSIN and northern people.

 

Michel also says one of Ratt’s passions was making sure the provincial government respected the treaty rights of First Nations trappers and other land users.

 

Michel says Ratt was a big help to him personally and will be missed.