Cree artist drowns trying to save friend
WINNIPEG, MB—Darryle Caribou, a 26-year-old Cree artist profiled in ChristianWeek in December, 2007, drowned July 3 after jumping into the swollen Red River to save a friend. Caribou's friend had jumped into the river to cool off and was caught by strong currents. Caribou tried to save him, but was pulled away.
Caribou, who had lived in foster homes and on the streets, had recently discovered his talent as a painter and was mentoring younger artists through a program at the Graffiti Gallery.
"Darryle was profoundly affected by injustice. It would frustrate him and move him to action," said Graffiti Gallery founder Steve Wilson at a memorial service for the artist.
"Darryle was a protector and a warrior. He was not fearless, but he was very brave; he knew the risks….We can now call Darryle something we knew for a long time. We can call him a true hero."
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