The Cree School Board commissioners, directors, employees, teachers, and students mourn the loss of a man who believed education was the key to our Nation's future.
George Blacksmith passed away unexpectedly in Montreal on February 11, 2020. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this great leader, pioneer, and champion of Cree education.
Chairperson Sarah Pash reflected Tuesday night on the role the Late Dr. George Blacksmith played in shaping education in Eeyou Istchee.
"George played such a pivotal role," she said. "Not only did he believe we could educate our people, but he stepped up and showed how it could be done."
The Late Dr. George Blacksmith was one of the first to take the position of principal at a Cree school after the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement. He assumed the principalship in Mistissini while another leader - Steven Pash - took a school in Wemindji. He was also CSB commissioner for Mistissini for 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14 school years. He also is among the few Crees to have earned a doctorate in education.
Tuesday night condolences were pouring in over social media.
