Ernie Campbell, former chief of the Musqueam First Nation in 91原创, has died.
鈥淗e certainly has a strong legacy in his community,鈥� said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, adding he was shocked to learn of Campbell鈥檚 passing.
Phillip cited Campbell鈥檚 leadership and ability in leveraging legal battles over land and aboriginal rights into economic gains for his community.
鈥淗e was very, very adept at that,鈥� noted Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
Campbell was elected chief in December 1998 and served the Musqueam people for 14 years, steering the band through several high-profile issues, including the return of several important pieces of land to the band, including the UBC Golf Course lands and portions of 91原创 Spirit Park in 2008.
The cash and land deal, which also settled legal claims over the River Rock Casino in Richmond, was valued at nearly $250 million.
Campbell also took a hard line on substantial rent hikes to homes leased on Musqueam land in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Stewart said the Musqueam鈥檚 leadership in the larger fight for aboriginal title rights was also important.
鈥淭here were many, many cases that originated with the Musqueam community and went to the Supreme Court of Canada. So, we owe them a lot. And certainly former chief Ernie Campbell was very central in all of that,鈥� said Phillip.
Campbell and the Musqueam also played a central role, with three other First Nations, in hosting the 2010 Olympics, noted Phillip.
The community鈥檚 cultural centre is the former Olympic aboriginal pavilion.
Accolades for the chief poured in from other B.C. political leaders as well.
鈥淚n a city of millions, Chief Campbell stood tall,鈥� said Premier Christy Clark in a statement. 鈥淗is strong voice and unswerving leadership ensured the concerns of his people remained at the forefront through issues that could have divided us.鈥�
In one of his last campaigns, in 2012, Campbell fought for and helped win the halt of construction of a five-storey condo near the Arthur Laing Bridge after human remains were unearthed. The location, known as the Marpole Midden, is considered sacred by the Musqueam First Nation, and was the location of an ancient aboriginal settlement and burial site.
Campbell led protests, stopping traffic to bring attention to the issue.
He said at the time, 鈥淵ou should never question the resolve of Musqueam. We鈥檝e been here for thousands of years 鈥� we鈥檙e not going anywhere.鈥�
The provincial government agreed to protect the site of the burial ground.
New Democratic Party leader Adrian Dix also expressed condolences and lauded Campbell. 鈥淣ew Democrats are greatly saddened over the passing of Chief Campbell, whose great dignity and conviction made him a positive force in our province. During his time as chief, he ensured that the Musqueam people鈥檚 rights, interests and perspective were addressed. In doing so he inspired our provincial and municipal leaders to strive towards a more productive and respectful relationship with First Nations that benefits British Columbia as a whole.鈥�
Mayor Gregor Robertson remembered Campbell as a 鈥渢houghtful, determined leader who helped build bridges and foster understanding between cultures.鈥�
Campbell was one of four host First Nations Chiefs of the 2010 Olympics, who were treated as heads of state during the event.
Campbell's age was not immediately known.
His funeral service will be held in 91原创 on Wednesday.
