Lorraine Cobiness

(Wabishki Makinaa Kwe, White Turtle Woman – Pizhew Clan)

July 19, 1973 – November 10, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a First Nation’s Chief, a great leader whose presence was felt throughout all the First Nations within the Treaty #3 territory.

Lorraine was more than a leader; she was a mother, a grandmother, eldest daughter, eldest sister, auntie and a pure guiding light and mentor, not only to her immediate family but to countless people who had the opportunity to encounter her heartfelt kindness, and love that she carried in her heart and soul. In her passing, she has gifted us all with a piece of her soul and legacy to carry.

Lorraine was a very proud resident of Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (Formerly known as Dalles First Nation)

She is predeceased by her beloved father, Ronald Sr. Cobiness, her daughter baby Mackenzie, her baby sister Beverly, her grandparents Willie & Gladys, great uncles Max, Frank and Jerry, great aunties Mary, Delores, Christine. Uncles and aunties James, Mary, Ralph, Elizabeth, Suzanne, Barb, Hazel, Billy, Chris, Butch, Baby Leah & Baby Michaela, and her cousin Leon and Late Andrew Edison, father to her eldest son.

Lorraine leaves behind to mourn her loss, her proudest achievements, her adult children, Hunter (Jamie-Lynn), Nicolas, Alex (Cami) and Raquel, who she also loved as a daughter. Also to feel her absence is her precious & deeply loved grandchildren, Elianna, Karla, and Miigwan. Including the father of her children, Ryan Paul.

She is also survived by her loving mother Lillian and stepfather Pat, all her devoted younger siblings who she loved deeply; Linda, Ron Jr., Leanne (Manny) Vanessa (Peter), Tracey, Amanda (Chris), Stephanie (Mathew). As well as her aunties and uncles, Florence, Joanne (Robert), Merv (Tina), Wayne, Sarah, Christine, Cathy, Viola, Rhea and Ella a many more relatives, too numerous to all mention.

All her nieces and nephews will be left to mourn her loss are, Shyanne, Jordan, Madison, Sydney, Ronni, Taylor, baby Charlie, Talia, Bryston, Reign, Lukas, Dorian, Rylee, Senica, Brayden, Sophie, and Mathew.

Lorraine was known for her exceptionally giving personality, infectious humor, unconditional love, utmost patience, emotional supports, gentle discipline, constant reminders, guidance, encouragement and all her wisdom. She had deep care and concern for everyone who came through her home and especially to all her community members she serviced. She loved to spend time with family and with her close, very dear friends and all her loving elders she deeply respected, highly regarded and cherished. She never passed up an opportunity to have big family get togethers where all wholesome food was prepared with love & care. She loved her food! She also enjoyed bingo playing, cribbage and cards with family and friends, and fishing. Her impact, her wisdom, and her unwavering dedication to her beloved family will be remembered forever and never forgotten.

As a leader, she left a permanent mark in the hearts of all First Nations she has contribute her leadership to. Lorraine always said, she was a very proud member of the Treaty #3 territory, her favorite statement that echoed each time she spoke in her role as a First Nations Chief. She exemplified the strength and spirit of our people, always serving as a symbol of hope and inspiration for many. She strongly believed in the power of unity and collaboration, passion for traditional governance, and for sovereignty. Her relentless advocacy for our rights and well-being brought about meaningful change that will also be echo for generations to come.

She did not just lead; she inspired, nurtured, and uplifted everyone around her; she made a profound difference both personally and professionally everywhere her moccasins lead her. Lorraine was a true leader, a true champion for First Nation rights, in which she tirelessly dedicated her life that she advocated for. Her loss and her hard work are a tremendous one for all who knew her, and she will be sadly missed by those who were touched by her remarkable life.

In this moment of sorrow, we will continue to celebrate her legacy, her leadership; one defined by and all woven together by love, resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to her family, our people and to all nations. Her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will be a source of inspiration as we move forward in the powerful work of unity and hope.

Also left to mourn her loss are her very special friends that she loved fiercely, are Fabian Blackhawk and Reno Cameron who she guided, mentored, deeply cared for and loved like her little brothers and both who accepted her as their big sister. And not forget to mention, her lifelong trusted best friends, Helena Fisher, Darlene Comegan, Carol Fobister, and Claudie Indian. And lastly, her guiding mentors, Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, George Kakeway, George Kakeway, Joe Barnes and Allan Luby.

We send sincere gratitude to everyone that has supported, assisted in Lorraine health care are LOWDH, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Brad Kyle, and her favorite nurse Maureen, St. Boniface and Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, and Ambulatory Care services.

To also mention are Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Kenora Chiefs Advisory - Ogimaawabiitong, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Wauzhusk Onigum Nation, Washagamis Bay First Nation, Miitogoog Miisun, Niiwin Wendaanimok – Four Winds, Grand Council Treaty#3, Treaty Three Police Services, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, Bimose Tribal Council, Gaagagekiizhik School, and so much more, too many to list but are immensely appreciated.

Though this is time of mourning, let us all come together to support one another to also celebrate her life by honoring the memory of Lorraine as she travels home and into the arms of her loved ones who await her arrival and forever lasting life.

Lorraine departs from Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre at 10:00 am with Treaty Three Police escorts to Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation Gymnasium to commence Traditional wake services starting at Monday, November 17, followed by Traditional Ceremonial services, officiated by Elder, Gilbert Smith and helper, Clarence White, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, starting at 10:00 am. Burial Services will be undertaken at the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Fabian Blackhawk, Ryan Paul, Manny Emmanuel Dibe, Reno Cameron, Steve (Shish) Fisher, and Tyson Gardner. Honorary pallbearers are Howard Kabestra, Warren White, Joe Barnes, Allan Luby, Waylon Scott, Chris Skead, and Eric Fisher.