Skeena MLA Ellis Ross Honours Late Kitselas Chief Councillor Mel Bevan with Speech in Legislature

One local leader honoured another last week, as Skeena MLA Ellis Ross rose in Legislature to commemorate the late Mel Bevan.

Bevan, also known as Sm’oogyet Satsan, passed away on October 11th, following a legendary political career spanning more than six decades.

Ross lauded how hard the renowned Kitselas leader and First Nations advocate fought for the fair and independant governance of his people.

He recalled stories of how, when Bevan was first elected as Kitselas Chief Councillor in 1969, he would host meetings from his kitchen table.

In the years that followed, Bevan helped to rebuild the Nation from less than 40 members, to well over 700 today.

Ross closed his statement by making it known how much of a debt of gratitude Bevan is owed by our region, province, and country as a whole.