Assembly of First Nations National Chief Offers Condolences after Passing of Elder Norma Rose Point

OTTAWA, July 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commented today on the passing of Elder Norma Rose Point of Musqueam First Nation in British Columbia (BC).

"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I offer my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Elder Rose Point and the people of Musqueam First Nation.

We have lost a respected Elder and many in the BC First Nations community will remember her as a great woman who touched the lives of so many. She dedicated much of her life to ensuring education was a tool and a vehicle to advance the aspirations of First Nations learners. The wisdom, the dedication to students and the example she set were an inspiration to many generations of First Nations in BC. She was also known for her work promoting social justice issues, equality and improving the environment.

First Nations today have identified education as a key priority to strengthen our youth and our nations. This is very much a legacy of the work and life of Elder Rose Point. She served for many years on the Vancouver School Board and was the Elder Advisor for several post-secondary institutions including BCIT and the UBC Institute for Aboriginal Health. She had recently retired yet continued to be an inspiring figure to all the young people."

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

Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or [email protected]

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected]