WENDAKE, QC, Jan. 20, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - "The story of Aurélien Gill, his life and commitments is inseparable from that of our First Nations over the past fifty years. Today, we regret the loss of a great leader who will long continue to inspire us."
It is with these words and great emotion that the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard, wants to pay tribute to Aurélien Gill on a personal level but also on behalf of the Chiefs of the AFNQL.
"Throughout his life, Aurélien maintained his interest and his unwavering commitment to the education of our youth. He also devoted much energy to the development of our self-government, our economy and our institutions, always with great enthusiasm and pride. To his wife Aline, daughters Guylaine, Carole, Marie-Claude and their families, to the Chief & Council and the population of Mashteuiatsh, the Chiefs of the AFNQL offer their respect and condolences", concluded Chief Picard.
"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I want to humbly and respectfully acknowledge the life, the work and the memory of the Honourable Aurélien Gill", said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. "He was a businessman, an educator and a politician but he will be remembered first and foremost by First Nations as a strong advocate for our people and our rights. He served First Nations in many ways and in many roles, including Chief of his community, founding president of the Conseil Atikamekw-Montagnais, a Commissioner for the Indian Specific Claims Commission and a Senator. He will be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to his people and to public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and community at this time."
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Mélanie Vincent:[email protected], Cell.: 418-580-4442
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