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Black Lake First Nation mourning Chief Archie Robillard

Black Lake First Nation Chief Archie Robillard passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, at the age of 60.
athabaskca lake
Black Lake Denesuline First Nation is mourning the death of its chief.

BLACK LAKE FIRST NATION - Black Lake First Nation Chief Archie Robillard passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, at the age of 60.

“Our family and community are mourning the loss of a great man today. He worked very hard for the betterment of his community and was always true to his word. He was a great leader with a strong faith in God” said Chief Robillard’s niece, Simona Fern in a statement issued by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. “He only wanted what was best for everyone and treated everyone he knew with respect and equality. He didn’t have much but he would always help and support those in need. He was a very well-respected man and our family loved him very much. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

In the statement issued Saturday morning, FSIN Executive, Senate, Veterans, Elders, management, and staff sent sincere condolences and warm prayers for the family, friends and community members mourning the loss of Chief Robillard.

“Our prayers are with those who knew and loved Chief Robillard. He was a respected leader and a well-known hunter and fisherman, who would always make a point of delivering his harvest to the Elders in his community, making sure they were always provided for,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “It is never easy to lose a great leader and we hold his family, friends and community up in warm prayer. Chief Robillard will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by many.”

Archie Robillard was elected chief in 2020.

Black Lake Denesuline First Nation is a community located in Northern Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin region, approximately 1,180 km northwest of Prince Albert.