The Meadow Lake Tribal Council, the community of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation and the friends and acquaintances he made throughout his life and career are mourning the loss of former MLTC tribal chief Richard Ben. Mr. Ben passed away suddenly Oct. 21. He was 42.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Richard Ben, the former MLTC tribal chief as well as a long-time chief of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation,” stated MLTC Cree vice-chief Richard Derocher when contacted Tuesday morning. “We’re a little bit in shock as a group, as the chiefs of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council along with the executives and staff at MLTC. This goes to show there’s lots of work yet to be done on human health – both physical and mental. The struggles are real, and to lose such a prominent, strong human being is quite a blow to us. What we fight for at the table every day is to have a better life for our people, and one of our great leaders had struggles… It hurts.”
Mr. Ben was first elected MLTC tribal chief in 2018. Prior to that, he served more than a decade on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation council (mostly in the role of chief). He was elected to a second term as tribal chief in 2022 before stepping down earlier this year. As news of his passing spread, many of his friends and colleagues also turned to social media to express their condolences to Mr. Ben’s family.
“Today, I send this message to honour the legacy of a remarkable leader and cherished friend, former MLTC tribal chief Richard Ben,” noted Clearwater River Dene Nation chief Teddy Clark. “Chief Ben was not just a leader; he was a beacon of hope and strength for our communities. His commitment to fighting for the rights and well-being of his people was evident in every meeting we attended together, standing side-by-side with fellow MLTC chiefs in pursuit of a brighter future for our nations.” Clark went on to say Mr. Ben possessed a profound compassion and a generous heart, always prioritizing the needs of his friends, family, and First Nations people. “His warm smile and positive spirit were a source of inspiration to all who knew him,” Clark said. “He approached every challenge with determination and grace, embodying the qualities of true leadership. As we reflect on his life and contributions, we recognize the void his passing leaves in our hearts and our communities. Chief Richard Ben will be dearly missed, but his spirit and impact will forever resonate within us. I extend my deepest condolences to all who loved him. May you rest in peace, dear brother. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.”
These sentiments were shared by Waterhen Lake First Nation chief Blaine Fiddler. “Rest easy my friend, condolences to the community of Makwa, and all his family and friends,” Fiddler noted.
Also saddened by Mr. Ben’s passing is Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) first vice-chief David Pratt. “I’m at a loss for words,” Pratt noted. “My brother and good friend Richard Ben has passed away. I don’t know what to think or feel right now, but I loved and appreciated your support and friendship.”
Family and friends followed Mr. Ben home Wednesday (Oct. 23) from St. Walburg and a funeral service will be held Friday (Oct. 25) at the Simon and Alma Kytwayhat Memorial Community Hall.
“Our condolences go to the community of Makwa Sahgaiehcan, to his mother, Jenny, his sister, Jessica, to his children… Right now that is foremost for us – to provide the support the family and the community needs,” Derocher continued.
“He was a prominent figure not only at the tribal council, but in his community. It extended beyond that. I’ve received calls from all over Saskatchewan in the last 24 hours. His presence was widespread, not only in his community, MLTC and the Province of Saskatchewan, but I believe even nationally he touched hearts in his time. He had a genuine smile and an ability to talk to people. I always used to tell Richard he was a natural leader. People just followed him and I told him to embrace that. His presence and personality alone proved that.”