First Nations Summit Mourns the loss of Executive Director, qiyəplenəxʷ — Howard E. Grant, O.B.C.

Press Release

March 30, 2026

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-

Waututh)/Vancouver, BC) – The First Nations Summit (FNS) is mourning the loss of long time Executive Director qiyəplenəxʷ — Howard E. Grant, following his passing on Sunday March 29th at the age of 79.

“Howard was a selfless leader who dedicated his life towards the advancement of Indigenous title, rights, and self-government, not only for his own community of Musqueam, but for First Nations across British Columbia. He was a staunch advocate of self-determination for First Nations, especially through the negotiation of modern- day treaty agreements. He was also deeply dedicated to the creation of mechanisms to improve First Nations governance structures, and was instrumental in the creation of the First Nations Public Service Secretariat. His significant contributions will be remembered by many,” said Robert Phillips of the First Nations Summit political executive.

“Howard will be remembered for always having his cultural teachings at the centre of his life and career. He was a cultural leader for his family and community and was a cultural ambassador who worked to break down barriers, foster relationships and generate understanding,” added Hugh Braker of the FNS political executive.

“Howard made a true and lasting impact on the First Nations Summit in his years of service as Executive Director. We will miss his everlasting wit and his sage organizational advice. He was a wonderful, kind and generous person and his loss truly leaves a large void,” said Chief Shana Thomas of the FNS political executive.

Mr. Grant was a long-serving member of Musqueam Council and served as Executive Director of the First Nations Summit for more than 27 years. He previously served on several boards including BC Children’s Hospital, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee of the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC, the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, among many others.

Howard previously served as the Executive Director of the Musqueam Indian Band from 1992 to 1997 and held senior management positions with the federal government from 1984 to 1992. He was also known to have a deep-rooted passion for mentoring youth through culture and sport and will be remembered as a competitive sportsman in canoe racing, basketball, soccer, fastball and other sports.

His considerable achievements were recognized with an Order of British Columbia in 2024 and a King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

The First Nations Summit extends our deepest condolences to his wife Deb, his children, grandchildren and the entire community of Musqueam.

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The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The Summit is also an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.

For Further Information contact:

Colin Braker, Communications Director, First Nations Summit cbraker@fns.bc.ca or 604-328-4094

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