The Greatest Lieutenant-Governor We Ever Had

Iona Campagnolo is now free of the constraints of the office, although it must be said that even within those constraints she managed to make tremendous contributions. Just one thing she did that was so typical of her grace and courage was to seek and find justice in the case of a 14-year-old Canadian boy, Louie Sam, who was murdered by a gang of American lynchers in 1884.

I wrote about the case here. Some unfinished business in the case was finally dealt with just this summer. When the press gets around to reckoning Campagnolo's legacy, I expect to see copious tributes. Damn well better.

Appointed in her place is Judge Steven Point, who is, fittingly, a Sto:lo, as was Louie Sam. I've always liked Steven, having known him since long before he was a judge, back when he was chief at Skowkale. But he's got his job cut out for him, in the shadow of Saan-naag-Kaawaass.

One of Campagnolo's best speeches - at least one that I got a particular kick out of - was her opening address to the World Peace Forum in Vancouver last year. Especially this bit:

The office I hold does not permit personal political views, so you will not hear me discussing Iraq or Afghanistan this evening, but I will say that as a life-long feminist, there can be few women or men of good will on earth who would will the women and girls of Afghanistan back under the institutionalised theocratic misogyny of the Taliban! It is hardly political to note the many shifts in opinions concerning peace that stand as challenges for delegates to this conference to consider. For those on the traditional Left, there is potential for change being exhibited for example by the Euston Manifesto in regard to the road to peace. While I do not expect you to embrace its strategies directly, I do expect that thoughtful reflection be given to the direction it expresses. The manifesto has been created by a membership comprised of democrats and progressives who have set forth a fresh political agenda for the world’s consideration. Among their stated principles, they reject anti-Americanism, they support both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, they oppose racism and are against any excuses being made for terrorism. . .