FSIN Chief Mourns Sudden Loss Of Father

FSIN Chief Mourns Sudden Loss Of Father

Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 13:53

A senator with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations with ties to the organization’s leadership has passed away.

85-year-old Allan Bird — the father of FSIN Chief Alphonse Bird — collapsed and died during the conclusion of the FSIN’s legislative assembly yesterday in Saskatoon.

The FSIN says Bird was not only a respected and distinguished elder and member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, but he was also a veteran and a member of the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association.

The federation says the late senator repeatedly used public speaking engagements to emphasize the need for today’s First Nations leaders to provide a foundation for Aboriginal youth.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.