Ray Jackson, a much-respected elder, First Nations leader and forerunner of the Yukon land claims process, died Monday at the age of 77.

He passed away after a courageous battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), his family said in a statement released today.

Longtime Yukoners will remember Jackson’s trailblazing work in the early years of the territory’s First Nations land claims process.

In 1969, he was called upon by the late Elijah Smith to undertake two important positions: oversee the Yukon Native Brotherhood’s (YNB’s) finances and promote the development of a cohesive group among a diverse assembly of First Nations chiefs.

In 1973, Jackson, as chief of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, was one of the 12 Yukon First Nations chiefs who, along with Smith, presented Together Today for

Our Children Tomorrow to then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau in Ottawa.

That historic work would eventually form the foundation of a modern comprehensive land claims process for the Yukon.

Jackson took on the role of president of Yukon Native Brotherhood in the mid-1970s.

He later returned to the position of chief of Champagne Aishihik. In the late 1980s, he became vice-chair of the Council for Yukon Indians (CYI), the forbearer of today’s Council of Yukon First Nations.

His life-long passion for modern technology was evident in these organizations as he introduced the use of computers to many YNB/CYI staff years before such equipment was widely adopted by Yukon government staff.

Throughout his professional career, Jackson also conducted Baptist Ministry work across the Yukon and northern British Columbia with his wife, Jenny.

“He was proud of his years as a student of the Whitehorse Baptist Mission School,” the family’s statement said.

“And, he never let the limitations he endured from childhood TB slow him down.

“For many Yukoners of all walks of life, Ray Jackson will be remembered for his humble and determined fight for basic human rights, justice and equality for Yukon First Nations.”

A statement from the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations was planned for later today.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

See more on the life of Ray Jackson later this week.