A former Saskatchewan MP who at one time served as the minister of agriculture has died.

Bill McKnight was elected to Parliament in 1979 for the Kindersley-Lloydminster riding until 1993. He also served as the federal minister of Indian Affairs from 1986-89 and was named Saskatchewan’s Treaty Commissioner in 2007. He held that role for five years.

The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation made McKnight an honorary chief and says he distinguished himself as a trusted ally and advocate for First Nations People.

McKnight was 79.