THUNDER BAY — Nishnawbe Aski Nation is mourning the death of one of its founders.
NAN announced Wednesday that Bill Nothing of Bearskin Lake First Nation had passed away.
"We were saddened to learn of Bill's passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire community at this difficult time," said NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
The statement said he was "instrumental in the early days of Grand Council Treaty No. 9 and the declaration of Nishnawbe Aski Nation in 1977."
Bill Nothing served NAN in numerous roles including Deputy Grand Chief (1982 - 1984) and Executive Director.
He also helped establish Tikinagan Child & Family Services, and was board chair when Tikinagan received its mandate as the first Indigenous child welfare agency in Ontario.
Fiddler said "Bill always opened his heart and his home to anyone in need, but what really set him apart for many of the leaders he worked with was his sense of humour. No matter how difficult or challenging the situation, he could always find a way to ease the tension."
