Sask. elder, leader Tony Cote passes away at 84

A well respected leader and elder in Saskatchewan has died.

Tony Cote passed away Wednesday at the age of 84.

“We lost a great man today,” said Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron in a news release.

“Our First Nations communities are truly mourning the loss of a great leader and respected elder. He touched so many lives and paved the way for countless First Nations youth through the organization of the Saskatchewan First Nations Winter and Summer Games, which were recently renamed in honour of his contributions.”

While serving as Chief of the Cote First Nation, he built an arena with artificial ice, the first Saskatchewan first nation to have such a facility.

Cote was also an advocate for Indigenous veterans after serving in the Korean war and was one of the chiefs who worked to establish the First Nations University of Canada.

His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Saskatchewan Award for Merit, the Tom Longboat Medal and a spot in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

“Our community is devastated by the loss,” said Cote First Nation Chief George Cote. “He guided us with his knowledge and wisdom and he was a great friend and leader to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed and we will now honour him and celebrate the lasting legacy he left behind.”

A wake for Cote will be held on Aug. 4 with a funeral to follow on Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Cote Band Hall.