The passing of of former elected and Hereditary Chief Melville (Mel) Bevan, announced October 11th by the Kitselas First Nation has echoed across the region and beyond.
With the official statement from Kitselas officials providing some extensive review to a remarkable career of service to both his own community and towards Indigenous advocacy at the provincial and national level.
The commemoration of his passing was something shared in Victoria this week by Skeena MLA Ellis Ross.
Mr. Ross's presentation making for an eye opening narrative of the life of Mr. Bevan and a glimpse of the Northwest for the members of the Legislature and those viewing from afar.
Mr. Bevan was laid to rest earlier this week, with a Memorial taking place on Monday, the funeral on Tuesday.
The UBCIC commemorated his passion with a tribute last week, tracing his history and advocacy. for all First Nations
He will be remembered as a knowledge-holder, a teacher, and a powerful advocate for his people as he dedicated his life fighting to advance recognition of Kitselas title and rights, and for the title and rights of all First Nations.
The BCAFN also shared their condolences and memories of the First Nations leader
As has been noted in the many items related to his passing, his work on a treaty for the Kitselas people is nearing completion, the building blocks put in place over the last few years, now charting the path forward, one to be shared with the members of Ktselas on October 25th.
Some of the notes of his passing, career and the impact he had in British Columbia and Canada can be reviewed below:
Mel Bevan who led Kitselas First Nation to coup of historic treaty, dead at 82
Kitselas treaty negotiator leave lasting legacy
Renowned Kitselas Advocate and Chief Councillor Sm'ooyget Satsan, also known as Mel Becan has passed away
The life and legacy of Mel Bevan (audio)
More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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