Honouring our Champions

We honour the leaders who have championed First Nation education jurisdiction. Their legacy continues to guide our collective work toward culturally grounded, self-determined education for future generations.

Lewis Debassige, M'Chigeeng First Nation

It was with great sadness that we said baamaapii kaawaaabamin to Elder Lewis Debassige ba who began his spirit journey Monday, May 13, 2019. Elder Debassige was a staunch advocate for First Nation jurisdiction over education and provided the FNWSC with guidance in governance, political and cultural matters.

 

A former Education Director for his home community of M’Chigeeng First Nation and Sagamok Anishnawbek, Elder Debassige contributed extensively to First Nation education.

Elder Debassige was on the forefront of self-determination activism in the 1960’s and 70’s demanding a response to Trudeau’s White Paper in 1969. 

 

He was our friend, colleague and wise counsel.

Miigwech for your service Elder Lewis ba your work will be carried on by the leaders you have trained so well.

Bawdwaywidun, Grand Chief of the Three Fires Confederacy

It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Bawdwaywidun (Eddie Benton Banai), Grand Chief of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.

Grand Chief Ba committed his life to fighting for the cultivation of Anishinaabe way of life in its most customary form – in lodge and in ceremony. He was raised Mide, in the language, and made it his life’s purpose to invite Midewiwin life into the hearts of the people again. His life’s work is evident in the many families who walk with confidence and pride in who they are as Anishinaabe. He brought the Creation Story and its importance to them in ceremony, time and time again.

Many of the knowledge keepers that the FNWSC seeks guidance from come from the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge. We have had Onaubinosay (Jim Dumont) on several occasions speak to us about Anishinaabek governance traditions as Anishinaabek principles. Jim Dumont is the Eastern Doorway Chief of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge, the lodge that Bawdwaywidun built.

Rest easy Grand Chief ba, while your work is done here on Earth, know that you have left us the most incredible gifts. The many teaching bundles you gave so generously will be carefully protected and cultivated into the education systems you spoke so passionately about.

Safe travels Bawdwaywidun, Miigwech Miigwech Miigwech Miigwech.