Wendake, February 14, 2023 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Billy Two-Rivers, who was an inspiration at the local, regional, national, and international levels throughout his career.
In Indigenous cultures, the death of a loved one is often an opportunity for people to come together as a community, not only to offer support, but also to commemorate and celebrate their life and the legacy they leave behind for future generations.
Billy Two-Rivers was a well-known and internationally renowned professional wrestler who was also a pioneer for many Indigenous athletes who followed in his footsteps.
In addition to his dedication to sport, Billy Two-Rivers also had a long career as a political leader, serving as Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake and devoting much of his life to working for his community and Indigenous causes more broadly. He was also well known in the Assembly of First Nations by chiefs from across the country. He attended numerous gatherings as a chief and as an elder.
On behalf of the AFNQL, and the many chiefs, former chiefs, and councils who had the honor and privilege of working with him, we would like to take a moment today to offer our deepest condolences, but also to celebrate and honor his many accomplishments and the paths he paved for us today and for future generations.