Don Roberts, the long standing elected chief councillor of the Kitsumkalum First Nation, passed away Sept. 15 after a lengthy illness.

Roberts, whose hereditary title is Simoogit Wiidildal, Waap 艁agaax Gisbutwada, died with his wife Arlene at his side.

Re-elected just last year to his ninth two-year term as chief councillor, Roberts is credited with being the driving force behind treaty negotiators with the provincial and federal governments, which, this June, resulted in an initialling of a final agreement.

Too ill to attend an initialling ceremony at the Kitsumkalum community hall June 25, federal and provincial officials and others drove to Roberts' home to obtain his signature.

"His leadership, rooted in traditional knowledge and a deep connection to his Tsimshian culture, commanded respect at negotiation tables and in every initiative he undertook," a release from Kitsumkalum stated.

"He was a vital figure in the recent initialling of the Kitsumkalum Treaty: A Living Agreement, a milestone that reflected his lifelong dedication to securing a brighter future for his people. We take comfort in knowing he was able to see this achievement realized before his passing."

"Chief Don Roberts was a distinguished and steadfast leader whose contributions extended far beyond Kitsumkalum. He was deeply committed to the protection of aboriginal rights and title, as well as, the recognition of Kitsumkalum鈥檚 ancestral rights, spanning from the coastal waters of Prince Rupert, along the Skeena River, to the mountain ranges inland," the statement continued.

The Waap 艁agaax Gisbutwada issued a concurent statement, saying, "the house would like to extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Arlene, daughter Tammy, Claudine, Son Mike and wife Dr. Mique鈥檒 Dangeli, his grandchildren. Waap 艁agaax Gisbutwada would also like to extend its deepest gratitude to Arlene for taking such great care of Don and sharing him with us throughout his many years of service to his people and community."

Kitselas First Nation chief councillor Glenn Bennett remembered Roberts as a strong advocate for Kitsumkalum, recalling that he had the same commitment as did his father who also served as a chief councillor for the First Nation.

"He was a fierce representative of his community. He worked very tirelessly at the treaty table to ensure that his people's interests were at the forefront of the negotiations between Canada and B.C.," he said.

"His heart was tied to the coast. He was a commercial fisherman. He had a passion about the north coast and the commercial fishing industry."