An Indigenous pioneer in the world of hockey has died after contracting COVID-19.

Fred Sasakamoose, who is of Cree descent from Big River First Nation and lived on the Ahathkakoop Cree Nation reserve in Saskatchewan, was hospitalized in Saskatchewan for treatment for the novel coronavirus for five days before he died on November 24.

He was 86 years old.

Sasakamoose made history by becoming the first First Nations hockey player with treaty status in the NHL, paving the way for other Indigenous players and coaches to follow.

Sasakamoose played 11 games with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1953-54 season and divided his time with the Moose Jaw Canucks of the Western Canadian Junior Hockey League.

He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, and became a member of the Order of Canada in 2018. He also became involved in sports programming for youth, including the Fred Sasakamoose "Chief Thunderstick" National Championship for young Indigenous hockey players.

Sasakamoose, who was also a survivor of the residential school system, served as band councillor and chief of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. 

He had recently completed his memoir Call Me Indian: From the Trauma of Residential School to Becoming the NHL's First Treaty Indigenous Player, which is scheduled for release April 6, 2021.