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Caption: This statue, in Donald Marshall Jr.'s honour, is outside the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney, N.S. (CBC)

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The Membertou First Nation unveiled a statue to honour Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi'kmaq legend and hero who was at the centre of two landmark court decisions.

The hand-carved, marble monument is outside the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney, N.S. A dedication ceremony was held Thursday.

Marshall served 11 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. An inquiry led to changes in the justice system.

Later, Marshall's arrest for fishing eels led to a Supreme Court of Canada ruling, known as the Marshall decision, that confirmed native people have the right to fish for a moderate living.

Marshall died in August 2009 from complications of a double-lung transplant. He was 55.

Membertou Chief Terry Paul said Marshall left a considerable legacy for the Mi'kmaq Nation.

"The contribution and determination of Donald Marshall Jr.'s efforts in fighting for a livelihood fishery will never be forgotten," Paul said in a news release.