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Semiahmoo First Nation elder Mabel Charles passes

SFN’s most senior elder, who was 94, passed away on Tuesday
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Mabel Charles, of the Semiahmoo First Nation, seen here with Mayor Megan Knight at White Rock council inauguration ceremonies on Nov. 7, passed Tuesday (Dec. 20).

Mabel Charles, most senior elder of the Semiahmoo First Nation has passed away.

Charles, who passed on Tuesday (Dec. 20) was 94.

Flags at White Rock city hall will fly at half-mast in honour of her legacy, according to a media release issued by the city on Thursday.

“On behalf of city council and the City of White Rock, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Semiahmoo First Nation and the family and friends of elder Mabel Charles,” Mayor Megan Knight said.

“We join in the celebration of Mabel’s life and wish to acknowledge the profound loss of the deeply respected elder.”

SFN Chief Harley Chappell said Friday that the nation and the Charles family wanted to send “our hearfelt appreciation for the support and condolences sent from all in the community, and to White Rock city council for their kind words and gestures.”

“It’s a very sad day for Semiahmoo First Nation — we have lost a legacy for the community, but we were very lucky to have her here for so long. It was an honour for a lot of we younger ones in the community to know her.”

Chappell said a celebration of Charles’ life is being planned for Wednesday (Dec. 28) at SFN.