Our condolences go out to the Salter family in their time of loss.
SALTER, Richard – Social justice activist, lawyer, negotiator, helpmate, parent, life partner, Zaidie and friend, this “little Jewish boy from College Street” (his words) Rick Salter, passed away September 20, 2021.
As a young adult in SDS, he led protests against the war in Vietnam, and then in 1969, he returned to Canada to became Director of Recruitment for the Company of Young Canadians. He then joined with Stan Daniels, Maria Campbell, Harold Cardinal and others in their organizations in Alberta. After a brief time in England, he taught Sociology at Capilano College and in Lillooet. Throughout he was working with the B.C. Union of Indian Chiefs (with his mentor George Manuel). His work continued through many years with the law firm Pape, Salter, Teillet to bring about fundamental change in the relationships between First Nations & Metis and governments.
Together with Dave Joe and Vic Mitander, he negotiated new treaties, constitutions, laws and contracts for land claims and self- government, thus changing the face of the Yukon Territory forever. Together with John B. Zoe, Bertha Rabesca, Ted Blondin, Eddie Erasmus, James Wahshee and the Elders, he did the same with the Tlicho in the NWT, helping to build the Tlicho Nation and Self-Government and securing recognition of Tlicho Lands.
Rick later worked with Norm Hardesty, Stan Loudit and Jennifer Simard and the Moose Cree in constructing new financial relationships about resources and the environment. Add to this, he acted as lawyer and helpmate with many other First Nations. He also worked with Jean Teillet to help build the Metis Nation of Ontario. Even after he retired, he joined in peer learning with other seniors at Quest in NYC and published Muckrakers Bulletin. Rick was the first person in his family to go to university and he received his Master’s Degree.
His animating view was his hatred of colonialism. Rick always sought truth and provided warmth, clear-thinking and support. His commitment to social justice, nuclear disarmament and environmental justice never faltered; his love for his family, his friends and co-workers never waivered.
He is survived by his wife Liora, his three children April (Cliff), Colin (Samantha) and Ammon (Orietta), six grandchildren: Elijah, Kolya, Eva, Suki, Giacomo and Scarlett and his sister Bonnie. He is predeceased by his brother Gary.
A Family graveside service was held on Thursday, September 23, 2021.
Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to any Social Justice charity of your choice.
