Peter William HUTCHINS

1945 - 2023

PETER WILLIAM HUTCHINS 1945-2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter W. Hutchins on January 13, 2023, in Montreal. He is survived by his cherished wife of 53 years, Alexandra ('Zandy') Hutchins; his son, Will Hutchins; daughter-in-law, Shanin Lott; and grandchildren, Myles, Stella and Annabel. Peter is also survived by his sister, Stephanie Caldicott; is predeceased by his sister, Cynthia Hill; and mourned by sister-in-law, Meredith Mercer; brothers-in-law, Ian and Donald Miller; and many nieces and nephews. Peter met his beloved wife Alexandra while they were in high school. They married in 1968 and settled in Montreal. They were inseparable, lifelong companions who enjoyed each other's company whether they were traveling and exploring new places, taking long walks around the Mountain in Montreal, or simply recounting their days to each other over the dinner table. He loved his grandchildren Myles, Stella and Annabel, by whom he was affectionately known as 'Rampa', cheering their accomplishments and attending soccer games and dance recitals during his visits to Toronto. Born in Montreal in 1945, Peter attended Bishop's College School where he participated in virtually every activity, playing hockey, rugby, and football, serving in the cadets, and acting as Head Chorister and Head Prefect in his final years. He went on to study history and political science at McGill University. On graduation from McGill, he attended law school at University of Laval in Quebec City, and completed his Master of Laws at the London School of Economics. It was in the study of law that Peter found his enduring passion for the pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Beginning his legal career in 1970, he was one of Canada's earliest legal advocates for the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and remained one of the most active and respected voices for justice for Indigenous Peoples over the course of a career spanning more than 50 years. As a young lawyer, he acted for the Cree of Northern Quebec in the negotiation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement which upon its conclusion in 1975 became the first modern treaty between the Crown and a Canadian First Nation. He went on to represent and advocate for Indigenous groups across Canada, appearing in the Federal Court and provincial courts across Canada, as well as before the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Among the moments he valued most however were his appearances in the Supreme Court of Canada before which he argued on more than ten separate occasions. He is remembered by colleagues for his unyielding determination, passion for justice, and skill in crafting novel legal arguments for which one of his clients gave him the moniker the 'Silver Fox'. While often deeply frustrated at the pace at which governments recognized and gave effect to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Peter believed strongly in the power of the legal system and courts to make positive change. Outside the courtroom, he was an avid writer on Aboriginal and constitutional legal issues and mentor to many young lawyers. He was a founding member and served as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association National Aboriginal Law Section. In 1980, he created the first law school course dedicated to the study of Aboriginal law at McGill University where he taught for over 15 years. His career led him to visit Indigenous communities in every province and territory across Canada. The time spent in those communities, listening and learning from community members and forming deep and long standing friendships, are experiences he treasured deeply. Peter was a lover of nature and animals. In his youth he spent many summers pursuing his passion for mountain climbing, participating in expeditions with the Alpine Club of Canada. In 1967, he was a member of the Quebec team that completed the first recorded ascent of Mount Quebec as part of the Yukon Alpine Centennial Expedition organized as part of Canada's centennial celebrations. He and Alexandra made annual trips to Algonquin Park in the Fall to spend time in nature and join with family where they enjoyed long walks and the quiet beauty of the lakes. He was a fervent believer in the rights of animals and our duty to protect them, and over the years used his legal skills to intervene when he saw mistreatment to secure their rescue. We know Rock the German shepherd, Miraka the mare, and many other four legged creatures are mourning their friend. We thank the incredible caregivers, nurses and doctors at the Montreal General for their dedicated care and for making Peter's time at the hospital as comfortable as possible. Peter strove to make the world a better place. His passion for justice, generosity and kindness were an inspiration. He will be missed by many. A memorial service will take place at the Mount Royal Cemetery Funeral Complex, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt, Outremont on Thursday February 23, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.