First Nations grieve loss of William Commanda
William Commanda, Elder, role model, and spiritual leader to Aboriginal people, died August 2 in his home in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation reserve near Maniwaki, Quebec.
Born November 13, 1913, under the name ‘Ojigkwanong’, Commanda shared lineage with Pakiniwatik, an Algonquin chief from the 1800s. Pakiniwatik was known for leading his band to their current territory, Maniwaki, Quebec.
Commanda traveled a lot in his lifetime, as his work took him across the world; he was well known for his ability to connect people from diverse cultures.
“He was a gift to the Algonquin people and an important figure for all First Nations people,” said Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee. “He will be remembered by many.”
He blessed the Humans Right Monument in Ottawa, alongside the Dalai Llama in 1990.
Commanda gave Nelson Mandela an Eagle feather on behalf of the First Nations people.
He stood as Chief of Kitigan Zibi for 19 years from 1951 to 1970.
Commanda was also known for his numerous achievements, which inlude receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Ottawa, being named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008, and being given a lifetime achievement award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards Foundation.
Anishinabek leaders will be paying tribute to Commanda in the future, according to an August 2 press release.
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A great but humble man,he
A great but humble man,he will be missed but also remembered for his quiet dignity and ability to look beyond the trivial shortcomings of man and envision what should be. I was fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times in the early 70's and observe his craftsmanship in canoe building. His respect for nature carried on into his dealings with all creatures, which he treated with reverence. This is a lesson which has come back to me many times in my life and I will treasure not just the lesson but the man who taught it to me.
Meegwetch
Elder Commanda was truly an
Elder Commanda was truly an honourable man with a good soul. I also met him a couple of times in Ottawa. He has so much belief and admiration for his people. He talked about his dream of constructing a building for "Gathering and Preserving our Indigenous Knowledge" on Victoria Island (on the Ottawa River, just behind Parliament). Let's hope his dream becomes a reality one day. We will always have him in our hearts and remember his teachings.
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