Assembly of First Nations National Chief Comments on the Passing of Former Peguis First Nations Chief Louis Stevenson

OTTAWA, Dec. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement today on the passing of former Chief Louis Stevenson, a member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, who passed away last Saturday December 27, 2014.

National Chief Bellegarde said, "On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, our AFN Executive and First Nations across the country, I want to extend our sincere condolences to the Stevenson family, their friends and the community of Peguis First Nation.  Chief Stevenson was a true leader who was respected by First Nations in Manitoba and across the country. He served his people as Chief of his community for more than 26 years and was the founding Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.  He was an outspoken advocate for our people and our rights.  I recall many times being personally inspired by Chief Stevenson's message and his actions as a young leader in Saskatchewan.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who loved and knew Chief Stevenson."

Louis Stevenson served as Chief of Peguis First Nations starting in 1981 and, in 1988, was elected as the first Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.  He was known for his strong convictions on the protection and the respect of First Nations rights, which led him to occupy Indian Affairs Regional Offices many times during the 80s and to be a vocal spokesperson and leader for First Nations.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-247-6789 ext. 382, 613-292-0857, [email protected]; Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 401, 613-314-8157, [email protected]