VICTORIA (NEWS1130) – An important changing of the guard is happening today in Victoria.

BC Lieutenant Governor Steven Point’s five-year term as the Queen’s representative in this province comes to an end this afternoon with the swearing in of his successor.

Point took the job after serving as a Stó:lo Nation leader, a treaty commissioner, and a provincial judge. As the first aboriginal to hold the post, Point found he could serve as an important bridge between First Peoples and the rest of the province.

He still recalls the warm reception he received during one of his first public events.

“Oh my gosh, the elders were just in tears; they were giving me hugs and presents and there were speeches… they were just extremely proud to see one of the aboriginal people in this seat,” he remembers.

“They start coming to Government House, elders from every community began wanting to come here and to get a tour. I remember them [asking], ‘Can we keep the napkins?’ ‘Go ahead!’”

The 61-year-old is looking forward to returning to his hometown of Chilliwack and hopes to continue his work as a provincial court judge.

One thing he won’t miss is the long days of official business away from his family. He points out once you become Lieutenant Governor, you essentially are public property.