Canada lost a man of courage this week

As the sole hold-out who refused to give his ascent to the Meech Lake Accords in the Manitoba legislature, enormous pressure was brought to bear against Elijah Harper back in 1990.

The Native leader didn't think the agreement which was to serve to bring Quebec into the Constitution of Canada did a satisfactory job of addressing the rights of First Nations.

His stubbornness and adherence to his principles ensured that a deadline for passing the accord was missed. For a generation of Canadian Natives and the rest of us, Harper is an example of how one man truly can make a difference.

Rest in Peace.