Mary Vickers, family of

In Memoriam: Mary Dawn Vickers

Heiltsuk activist, parent, and contributor to many communities, Mary was fierce, funny, playful, loving, generous, and never afraid of a confrontation with power. She took action in defense of Indigenous territories; in support of safe consumption services and Super InTent City; and against criminalization of Indigenous resistance and people living in poverty.

Family was extremely important to Mary. She is predeceased by her parents Don and Mary and brother Michael, and is survived by her children Shannon and Steven/Bear, and siblings Bruce, Mitchell (and partner Jean White), Edward, Jeff, Wes, and Peter (and partner Reg Sam).

Mary was born in Bella Bella. Working as an archaeologist for many years, she made sure anyone doing archaeology in Heiltsuk territory was held to ethical standards. Coming from a fishing family Mary was passionate about Indigenous food sovereignty, and even after moving to Lekwungen lands continued to source 70-80% of her food from Heiltsuk territory. Whether leading a vocal takeover of aquaculture meetings, pushing a 27-foot salmon puppet through downtown streets, throwing rotten farmed fish on the Legislature lawn, organizing Heiltsuk food events, taking part in ceremony to cleanse waters, or teaching, Mary was steadfast in defense of wild salmon and herring. (…)