Billy Diamond

Billy Diamond (May 19, 1949 – September 30, 2010 ) was the Chief of the Waskaganish, Quebec Cree from 1970 to 1976, the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees from 1974 to 1984, and a successful businessman who founded Air Creebec.

Diamond was elected Chief of the Cree Nation of Waskaganish at the age of 21. Using funds from the settlement, he created Air Creebec, Cree Construction Company Limited, and Cree Yamaha Motors. On March 19, 1990, Diamond was a guest on 100 Huntley Street.

Diamond died at the age of 61 from a heart attack. In accordance with his instructions, his tombstone reads: "Gone to a meeting - will return."

Early life Billy Diamond was born to Hilda and Malcolm Diamond on May 17, 1949, in a tent near Rupert House, Quebec, on the shore of James Bay. He grew up in the Cree Nation of Waskaganish (then Rupert House) until being forced to attend Diamond recalled that his hair was cut for the first time in his life immediately upon arrival, and the clothes his mother gave him were confiscated. As such, he represented Quebec Crees in the Assembly of First Nations. Diamond organized a meeting of James Bay Crees to discuss the urgency of this project, wherein they decided to challenge the government legally. To this day, it is entirely Cree-owned.

Personal life Billy Diamond and his wife Elizabeth had six children. Later in life, he became a devout Christian.