Residents of the Black Lake First Nation are mourning the loss of a band councillor and former chief.

Edwin Boneleye died yesterday at the age of 55 after a long battle with cancer.

Current Black Lake Chief Ricky Robillard says Boneleye was involved in local government for over 20 years, and was part of many important projects.

Robillard says some of Boneleye’s biggest accomplishments include helping build the Athabasca Health Authority hospital in Stony Rapids, serving on the board of Athabasca Basin Development, serving on the Elizabeth Falls Hydroelectric Project partnership with SaskPower, and serving on the board of Pronto Airways.

The funeral for Boneleye will be held on Monday in Black Lake.