Statement
July 12, 2022

UBCIC Remembers Elder Kat Zu’comulwat Norris, Lifelong Champion for Indigenous Peoples

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – July 12, 2022) With fond memories and heavy hearts the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) marks the passing of Elder Kat Zu’comulwat Norris of Lyackson First Nation, and honours her legacy of advocacy for Indigenous Rights.  

Kat was a close friend and long-time ally to the UBCIC; her strong spirit and love for community guided her work as a theatre artist, SFU radio-show host, cultural educator, counsellor, community-builder, and founder of the Indigenous Action Movement. Kat was a survivor of the Kuper (Penelakut) Island Residential School and channeled her experiences of abuse into momentum for healing others. Kat was a well-loved member of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community and recognized the deep struggles of underserved Indigenous peoples who call the DTES home. She lifted community up through her role as Elder-in-residence for the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival, regular fry-bread giveaways, hosting urban powwows, supporting the creation of the inaugural Indigenous Day in Vancouver, and advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).  

Kat was a dynamic force for Indigenous activism and a model of strong Indigenous leadership, guided fiercely by love and courage. UBCIC shares our deepest condolences with Kat’s family and all those who loved her; we honour her warrior spirit and thank her for a lifetime of service she gifted our people.  

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Tamara Bob, Norris’s niece, for funeral expenses. A service will be held July 13 in Vancouver and July 14 on Vancouver Island. Thank you for your consideration and support for her family.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer, c/o 604-842-2977

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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