First Nations activist Noah Augustine, a former New Brunswick chief, was killed in a car crash late Saturday night, RCMP said.

Noah Augustine, left, the former Metepenagiag First Nation chief, posed in 2009 with Keith Ashfield, centre, the Fredericton MP, and Bud Bird, a former New Brunswick cabinet minister. Augustine was killed in a car crash Saturday night. (HRSDC)

The crash occurred on Highway 420 in Red Bank, N.B, at about 10:20 pm. local time.

Until losing an election in May, Augustine, 39, was chief of the Metepenagiag First Nation, 25 kilometres northeast of Miramichi. He was known for his work protecting aboriginal treaty rights.

Police said Augustine's vehicle, a 2009 Dodge Ram truck, left the road, struck a tree and continued down an embankment. A second occupant, a man from the area, was transported to Miramichi Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police said they believe alcohol and speed contributed to Augustine's death. They also said they believe he wasn't wearing a seatbelt.

"He had great visions for the community, and he was a very smart man," said Patrick Ward, who worked with Augustine on the band council. "He had great big dreams for the community and he wanted Metepenagiag to become a special place."

Augustine first gained national attention leading the fight for aboriginal logging rights in New Brunswick.

More than a decade ago, a jury found him not guilty of murder in the shooting of Eel Ground resident Bruce Barnaby.