Bob Simpson is being remembered as a leader, innovator and advocate who helped advance Gwich'in and Inuvialuit self-determination.

Simpson died on April 25 with tributes thanking him for his years of service published by both the Gwich'in Tribal Council and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

"Mahsi Cho, Gwich'in Bob Simpson," wrote the GTC on their social media feed. "Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Bob Simpson's family on his passing. Bob served our communities for many years and was a great friend and trusted advisor."

On its web page, the IRC published a eulogy acknowledging his many years of work in the IRC.

"Since 1998, Bob advocated for Inuvialuit rights and recognition. He worked tirelessly on many major files including Inuvialuit self-government, the Mackenzie Gas Project, devolution, Arctic Policy Framework, Economics of an Inuvialuit Household, Beaufort Sea Strategic Regional Plan of Action, Inuvialuit Indicators and IFA 101," wrote the IRC. "Please take a moment today to remember Bob and his years of service to IRC and our community."

Premier R.J. Simpson also issued a statement on condolence to Simpson on Thursday, thanking him for his years of service to the North.

"From his early role as Chief Negotiator for the GwichSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement to his recent work as Director of Government Affairs with IRC, Bob brought integrity, skill, and a deep commitment to collaboration. He was instrumental in shaping key frameworks and policies that continue to benefit communities today," wrote the premier. "In 2017, Bob was recognized with the CommissionerSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s Award for Excellence in Public AdministrationSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½”an honour that reflected his tireless contributions to the public good and the territory as a whole.

"I extend my sincere condolences to BobSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s family, friends, and colleagues, including the staff and leadership of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation who worked closely with him. His legacy of service and advocacy will be felt across the North for years to come."

Living in the Beaufort Delta for more than a half-century, Simpson held many roles. 

He served as Mayor of Fort McPherson and deputy mayor of Inuvik, as well as chairing the Beaufort Delta District Education Council and Inuvik District Education Authority. He was a strong advocate of integrating Inuvialuit and Gwich'in history and self determination in the NWT's curriculum and co-authored a book, "Taimani SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½“ At the Time, Inuvialuit Timeline Visual Guide," which was published in 2011.