Statement on Lee Maracle’s Passing

November 24, 2021

We at CIS grieve the passing of Lee Maracle on November 11, 2021. Lee held many roles: Author, Activist, Catalyst, and beloved community member. She was born in North Vancouver and was a proud member of the Stó:lō Nation with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Métis ties. Her written work reflected her cultural traditions in a way that held deep, personal significance to people across Turtle Island. Her writing spoke to Indigenous people across generations since her first autobiographical publication, Bobbi Lee: Indian Rebel in 1975.

As an activist, Maracle made herself heard by self-advocating for publication within a system that sought to silence her. She inspired and opened doors for other Indigenous artists, changing the landscape forever. Here at the Institute, Lee Maracle is missed and we wish her family and communities well.