An honourary member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation is being remembered for the prominent role he played in the community.
The administration and council said in a Facebook post that Ronald Rowcliffe died Sunday, February 6, at the age of 84.
Rowcliffe, a lawyer, was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to the Queen's Counsel for demonstrating exemplary service to the Canadian justice system.
"Mr. Rowcliffe was provided the Indian name Chief Animekee-Keeg-Do-Win, which roughly translates to Chief Thunder Speaker, and that name was presented under the leadership of former Chief Gerald Maness and the council of the day," the message read.
The First Nation said Rowcliffe was instrumental in all aspects of its development over the past 50 years.
"The industrial park, lease agreements, and establishing our interests with CN for the tunnel agreement and various rail crossings within our territory. He also was our lead attorney regarding the Hydro Riverbank Claim, our Enniskillen Land Claim and our Clench Defalcation Claim, and provided advice in the Cameron Claim. Mr. Rowcliffe also successfully negotiated our retention of gas well rights, resulting in a 40-year storage agreement with Union Gas which is unique to our area in Canada."
Cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Rowcliffe's obituary can be found here.
