Northwestern Ontario ‘heartbroken’ to lose longtime Ojibway chief and role model | 24CA News
Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle River First Nation) together with Treaty 3 territory is in mourning with the passing of Ogiichidaa (Chief) Arnold Gardner, a revered elder who has led his group since 1993 and previously served as Grand Chief of Treaty 3.
Gardner handed away Wednesday at age 72.
“Arnold was renowned throughout Treaty 3, Canada and The United States,” stated a press release from Migisi Sahgaigan council.
“He was a man of the culture and was passionate about preserving the Anishinaabe way of life.”
In 1995 he walked throughout Canada from Vancouver to Halifax on what he referred to as a “journey for wellness” to boost consciousness about psychological well being, addictions and damaged households from all walks of life.
A tweet from Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3 stated the group is collectively “heartbroken” as he was central to governance within the area and a favourite of employees.
“His gentle smile, his calm but powerful words and his everlasting dedication to our nationhood will be deeply missed,” the assertion stated.
Many non-Indigenous organizations and politicians in northwestern Ontario joined in sharing their grief on social media upon studying of Gardner’s passing.
“His philosophy was to always try new ideas, understanding that sometimes trying different approaches either result in success or a lesson learnt (sic), but the most important thing is to try,” the Dryden GM Ice Dogs hockey crew stated in a tribute on their Facebook web page.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo wrote “I always enjoyed the opportunities I had to speak with him about local issues and learn from his decades of experience as a leader in our region.”
Gardner was re-elected chief final fall and his phrases reside on in his chief’s message on the group’s web site.
“Message to the youth is to listen, learn, and be brave. Try to follow the seven teachings. Be honest, courageous, truthful and brave. Love one another as a person and love yourself so you can give back and do things for other people. Be trusting.”
Wake and funeral companies will happen this weekend at Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle River First Nation) situated 4 hours northwest of Thunder Bay.
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