Foul play is suspected in the death of native rights activist Nora Bernard, Truro police said Friday.

Police are not saying how the Mi'kmaq elder died, nor are they calling it a homicide.

Nora Bernard fought for compensation for residential school survivors.
(CBC)

Bernard, 72, was found lying on the floor of her home on the Millbrook First Nation early Thursday.

Some family members have said Bernard died of a heart attack and are criticizing the police handling of the case.

Police said autopsy results are expected within the next two days.

Bernard fought an 11-year battle on behalf of residential school survivors.

From 1945 to 1950, she attended the former Shubenacadie residential school in Nova Scotia, where she said she was forced to work cleaning and making clothes.

Her $14,000 compensation cheque arrived a few weeks ago. Most of it went to pay bills, her children told CBC News.

Bernard was discovered on the floor of her home early Thursday.
(CBC)

"I don't believe it was a robbery," daughter Leanna MacLeod said Thursday. "I believe my mother had a heart attack or perhaps a stroke."

MacLeod said her brother found Bernard on the floor and called 911. He was taken into police custody for questioning and released after several hours, she said.

The investigation into Bernard's death continues. Police have no one in custody.