Statement on the passing of Ronald “Bud” Sparrow

It is with deep sadness that the Sparrow family and Musqueam announce the passing of Ron (Bud) Sparrow late on September 14, 2020. He left for the spirit world surrounded by his children and family members at his home.

Bud Sparrow was a quiet, determined and proud member of Musqueam. As a skilled and accomplished commercial fisher, he traveled up and down the west coast of BC to provide for his family and community.

Bud Sparrow was the defendant in the renowned “Sparrow case”  decided in 1990 by the Supreme Court of Canada. The Sparrow case is the first case to consider the nature and scope of aboriginal rights in s. 35(1) of Canada’s repatriated  Constitution of 1982. The case decided that aboriginal fishing rights were never extinguished, but in fact recognized, affirmed and protected as legal rights surviving the colonial era and founding of Confederation. This case is celebrated widely by Indigenous peoples across Canada and globally.

“Bud left our people at Musqueam and Indigenous peoples across Canada with a tremendous legal legacy. We will always be grateful for his quiet determination in fighting for our rights,” says Chief Wayne Sparrow.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be restricted to family members. There will be a celebration of life once it is safe to do so.

To learn more about the Sparrow case and how it guides our work in environmental stewardship, watch the Musqueam Natural Resources Service Group video on our Vimeo page.