Lorraine Major

March 9, 1943 – October 25, 2023

Maakataywaabiik - Makwa Dodem (Bear Clan) passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, peacefully at her residence. Lorraine in life was a devoted Mother, Sister, Auntie, and Grandmother.

Lorraine would grow up on Windigo Island before moving to go to school. Lorraine spent her early life working at Flag Island on a resort for the McKeever family. Lorraine lived in Iowa, Minnesota, and Kenora. She went to Aims University in Iowa and received her Bookkeeping Diploma while simultaneously working at Bimose Tribal Council for approximately 17 years. Afterwards, Lorraine would serve for 12 years as Chief of Animakee Wa Zhing, #37 First Nation and then as a Councillor for 5 years.

A warrior and champion of First Nation rights, Lorraine was a Residential School Survivor of Cecilia Jeffrey School, she had strong ties to the American Indian Movement (AIM), Dennis Banks, Russel Means, and was at the forefront during the occupation of Anishinabe Park in 1974.

She frequented the fellowship centre to visit and provide support to patrons. She was a devoted family member, loved everybody with her whole heart. Lorraine enjoyed the outdoors and going blueberry picking with her sister every summer. Lorraine was an avid reader who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends watching baseball and hockey, while playing bingo in her downtime. She liked to follow politics, particularly US politics, and was very vocal on the former presidential republican candidate.

She is predeceased by her sister, Rosabelle Major, niece, Janna Major, and both her mother and father; Bernice Major and Peter Accobee. Lorraine will be sadly missed by her direct family; her son, Anthony, grandson, Liam, son Dennis (Bush), grandson, Hunter, granddaughter, Jadyn.

And the rest of her family; Nephew Beauregard Elkin (Daisy), Niece Lana Major, Nephew Tiny Major (Alysia), Niece Bernice Major, Great nephews and Great nieces Brendan, Andyn, Cassie, Nocona, Dakota, Raven, Jordan, TJ, Karleigh, Mark, Franklin (Mary), Isaac Kavanaugh; Zane Namaypoke. Great-grand nieces and nephews Jonah, Stanley, Jacqueline, Novah, Katalaya, Zayvier. Left also to mourn her reunified family from White Earth, MN Alrick (Kitty) and their children as well as numerous relations from Windigo Island.

She will truly be missed by all those who love her, her entire family, and the community that surrounds them. Lorraine was a hardworking freedom loving individual who would always try her hardest to bring joy and smiles to those she loved and cared for. May she rest in peace.

As The family did with her sisters passing, we welcome donations to Kenora Fellowship Centre as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.

A traditional wake will begin on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 12:00pm at Niisachewan Anishinaabe Nation Gymnasium. A traditional funeral service will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023 at 10:00 am at Niisachewan Anishinaabe Nation Gymnasium with interment to follow at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Anthony Gabriel, Dennis "Bush" Major, Liam Gabriel, and Hunter Johnson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Major family.