| Don Cardinal - Passing of an Aboriginal Leader | 27 May 08 |
 Don A. Cardinal, well-known Aboriginal political activist, passed away in Winnipeg May 20, 2008 at the age of 71 years. As a Cree Elder he was known for his devotion to revitalizing aboriginal culture in Canada.Cardinal was also known for his opposition to past Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's legendary White Paper of 1969 that aimed to extinguish treaty rights. Together with his brother Harold Cardinal they wrote the Red Paper response, which lead the political fight to protect treaty rights in Canada. Cardinal was a teacher of Aboriginal history and philosophy to all Canadians. As a healer he enjoyed working with traditional medicines and ceremonies. Cardinal was a member of Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Northern Alberta and settled in Manitoba at Seven Sisters Falls. Cardinal was survived by his wife Allison,10 children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He advised Aboriginal communities across the continent, regarding heritage sites. Manitoba Culture and Heritage Minister Eric Robinson, himself Cree, said "His greatest legacy is the kindness he showed other people and that's a legacy that will live on... and his traditional teachings will live on. We can take comfort in that." Caroline Bruyere, of Sagkeeng First Nation, remembers Don Cardinal's knowledge about Silver Falls, on the Winnipeg River, "He confirmed for us how important the site was to our people. He helped us save Silver Falls from a cottage development. I will always thank him for his help." View May 23, 2008 Passages Obituary View May 22, 2008 Winnipeg Free Press Obituary Sources: Winnipeg Free Press (photo), Passages |
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