Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is mourning the loss of Bill McKnight. The former Federal Indian Affairs Minister passed away in Saskatoon last Friday at the age of 79. McKnight was recognized in 1988 by Muskeg Lake as an Honourary Chief. McKnight was a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 1993, and Minister of Indian Affairs from 1986 to 1989. The First Nation says McKnight distinguished himself as a trusted ally and advocate for First Nations people. His work on Treaty Land Entitlement resulted in Muskeg Lake acquiring land in Saskatoon; the first time a First Nation purchased land within an urban setting. He was commended for bringing an innovative and visionary approach to the relationship between Muskeg Lake and Canada.

Picture:
Taken in September 2018 at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Asimakaniseekan Askiy land
Back row left to right – Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Chief Wallace Tawpisim, Mayor Charlie Clark, Chief
Harry Lafond, Chief George E. Lafond, Chief Cliff Tawpisin
Front row left to right – Chief Kelly Wolfe, Chief Leonard Ledoux, Honourary Chief kihiw mîkwan – Bill
McKnight