On September 17th, 2019, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation’s (CGIFN) Councillor William McCue was honored in a special ceremony at the 2019 Lands Advisory Board Annual General Meeting (LAB AGM).

Hosted by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and before over 200 First Nation representatives from across the country, the 2019 LAB AGM acknowledged those who had proven great leadership and service to others with “the capacity, vision, and faith to leave a long-lasting impact upon those who have worked alongside or benefited by their efforts.” Bill McCue was one of three recipients of the LAB Champion (Legacy) Award. The award recognized “the foundational work that has contributed to the success of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management (Framework Agreement) and First Nation lands governance.”

Bill was an early proponent of the Framework Agreement. His significant support led to the celebrated signing of the Framework Agreement at CGIFN on February 12, 1996. His commitment to ensuring full consultation with CGIFN on all aspects of the initiative prompted CGIFN’s intense support of our land code, which was historically ratified on March 11, 1997. CGIFN was the first First Nation in Canada to develop and adopt a land code under the Framework Agreement. This was a milestone achievement and source of great pride for our community.

Bill has always been an unwavering ally and proponent of CGIFN, and a tireless advocate for the continued support of First Nation economic self-sufficiency, having served on numerous boards and councils to further Indigenous issues.

We would like to extend our congratulations to Bill for the honor recently bestowed upon him, and our great thanks for promoting the well being, progress, protection, and success of our community for so many years.