Ann Holtz

June 9, 1955 - February 13, 2023

Ann Holtz (nee Pals) passed away peacefully from complications of metastatic breast cancer in Vancouver. She is survived by her loving husband Albert, daughter Kaila (Ryan), sons Aleks (Mary) and Matthew (Hilary), and grandchildren Felix, Wyatt, Jacob, Lilia and Easton. She is also survived by her beloved brother Vello Kass and nieces Kadre (Gary), Kersti, Tanya and Tracy.

Ann was born in Edmonton to Ilmar and Lydia Pals (nee Anton), Estonian immigrants who came to Canada shortly after World War II. Ann grew up in Edmonton, married Al on August 4, 1973, and graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Western Canadian History and Economics in 1976. Ann had three young children while completing her Master of Arts in Settlement Geography in 1987. In 1990, Ann and Al moved to North Vancouver.

Ann was a heritage consultant and managed the day-to-day operations of Al’s business, Remedicon Consultants Ltd, before taking the position of Divestiture Coordinator at Transport Canada in 1999. From 2000 to 2010, Ann worked as an Assistant Treaty Negotiator at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. In 2010, Ann and Al relocated to Ottawa where Ann joined the Indigenous Affairs Branch, Parks Canada as Manager of Negotiations for the East.

Ann’s colleagues remember Ann as a courageous and innovative leader who advocated for Indigenous peoples. Ann played a transformative role in facilitating a shift toward recognition and respect of Indigenous rights in some of the most treasured places in Canada.

Ann laid the foundation for many Rights Recognition Agreements that are now close to conclusion with Indigenous communities in the regions she served. At Parks Canada, Ann was a trusted advisor to field unit superintendents, and provided sage and thoughtful advice on the operational aspects of a rights-based approach.

Ann’s enduring legacy is the resetting of the foundational relationship between Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples. Her influence can be felt across Canada’s national system of protected areas: from British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to Ontario’s Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, and at many, many places in-between. Ann was and remains beloved by her many colleagues at Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Parks Canada. Ann’s public service career is best defined by the relationships she forged with colleagues, First Nations leaders, elders, and members of communities whose voices had been silent for too long.

Outside of work Ann fostered her love of art and community through pottery. She spent time baking with her grandchildren and passing on Estonian traditions. Ann was also an avid gardener and fruit and vegetable canner. She was a treasured friend to many.

Finally, Ann was a valued mentor to others with cancer. She was an active participant and advocate for support groups and raised awareness for the challenges individuals with metastatic cancer face. Ann and her family thank both the Ottawa and BC Cancer Agencies for their care.

Ann passed away two weeks after a special celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary. She felt peaceful, loved and happy in her final days at a retreat organized by the Callanish Society, Vancouver.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 26, 2023, at 1:00pm at VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver. The Garden was one of Ann’s favorite places.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local cancer agency on Ann’s behalf.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.vancouvercrematorium.com for the Holtz family.