Former Grand Chief of the Crees of Quebec and respected leader Billy Diamond passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the age of 61.
It happened at 11:29 a.m. at his home in Waskaganish.
According to a press release from the Waskaganish First Nation, Diamond had been feeling ill and emergency services were called.
He was pronounced dead at 11:50 a.m. by Dr. Marie Carmen Berlie at the clinic in Waskaganish.
His wife, Elizabeth, was at his side throughout the morning.
Chief Diamond also leaves behind children Lorraine, Christopher, Ian Sandford, Phillip and Kevin Gunner.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest spoke of "a great leader and a man of vision and conviction."
Charest said he hopes that many young indigenous people are inspired by Diamond's example of "commitment, determination and perseverance".
Founding member of the Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec, he was the Grand Chief from 1974 to 1984.
Diamond was also one of the signatories of the Convention of James Bay and Northern Quebec, as the Cree of northern Quebec.
As a representative of the Crees of Quebec and the Assembly of First Nations, Diamond participated in the constitutional conferences of 1982 and 1983, following which the constitution of Canada has undergone significant changes in terms of indigenous rights, according to the website of the Ministry of Executive Council of Quebec.
Arrangements are being made for Diamond's funeral.
