Mr. Joseph Morrison

Joseph Morrison

October 1, 1941 – March 21, 2012.

Our beloved Papa Joe, Joseph Morrison “Pagwaakiinen” of the Anishinaabeg of Naongashing and longtime resident of Kenora, died on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Ottawa Heart Institute.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Smith, along with his children Karen (Tim) Cowley of Naotkemagwanning; Ava (Mike) McKay of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug; Carla (John) Mandamin of Wabaseemoong; Beverly Williamson; Jason Williamson (Vanessa Skead) of Kenora; Jesse (Angie) Fiddler, Sioux Lookout; Willow Fiddler (Mario Blasizzo), Thunder Bay; Danielle Morrison (Tim O’Connor), Ottawa and his adopted son David Crow (Danika Tom) of Kenora and cousin Eleanor Crow of Winnipeg. Joseph was a beloved grandfather to Rebecca (Wes), Ryan, and Nathan (Rosetta) Fair; Lori (Dean), Joshua, Karlina (Damien) and Bryce Tom; Josephine, Leila, Desirae, Kisha, and L.J. Paypompee; Marcus and Ketura McArthur; Tianna, Jenna, Zoey, and Kelcie Williamson; Karlee and Jakson Crow; Avery Fiddler and Shawna, Mya and Keenan Fiddler, and 21 great grandchildren. Dinnawaa makinatook, his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, his in-laws and other relatives and friends enriched Joseph’s life in countless ways.

Predeceased by his father Donald Morrisseau and his mother Ada (Crow) Morrison, Joseph was raised by his parents at Naongashing. He attended school at Cecilia Jaffrey and Sioux Narrows Public School. He set out in the world at an early age earning his living as a guide and labourer. He enlisted in the Canadian army when he was 17 serving with the Queen's Own Rifles from 1959-62 in Calgary and Germany. He often told young people how the service taught him discipline and gave him a sense of dignity. He also worked as a bookkeeper, Native Street Patrol supervisor, Metis housing coordinator, and Executive Director of friendship centres in Kenora and Fort Frances. In 1989, Joseph became the first Justice of Peace in Ontario to be sworn in with an eagle feather, and became known and respected as “Judge Joe” throughout Northwestern Ontario until his retirement in 2007.

In the 1970’s Joseph found sobriety and spiritual strength through the Lake of the Woods Pow-wow Club, and began a lifelong journey he shared with many others, reclaiming respect for Anishinaabe culture. He was a familiar figure at pow-wows as keeper of ‘Wakaapiness’ drum, helping with ceremonies, flag-raising and dancing with other Native veterans. Pagwaakiinen also acted as an Elder for numerous groups and gatherings. In recent years he was called upon to lead the Native ceremonies for the Kenora Remembrance Day services.

As well as serving with Aboriginal Friendship Centres at local, provincial and national levels for four decades, Mr. Morrison was also a member of the National Aboriginal Corrections Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Corporation and the Elders council for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Joseph appreciated the many doctors, nurses, caregivers, family and friends in Kenora, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and Ottawa, who did everything possible to keep him with us and remind him how loved he was during his brief illness.

All ceremonies will be held at Golden Eagle Casino at Wauzhushk Onigum (Rat Portage) First Nation, starting with the Wake at 6 pm Saturday, March 24, where people are welcome to speak and pay tribute. Funeral services begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 25. The traditional ceremony and burial at Lake of the Woods Cemetery has been given over to the care of Steven Kejick.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com or on Facebook.

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