Mrs. Madeline Skead

Madeline Skead (nee Cantin)

Onowikamigook (Center of the Earth Woman)

Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation

The family and extended families of Madeline Skead announce the journey into the spirit-world of our dearest mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and caring friend to many, on January 23, 2012 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre.

Madeline was born at Goldrock, Ontario on January 1, 1936 and raised on Wabigoon First Nation.

In 1952 she married Douglas Skead. They made a life together at Wauzhushk Onigum, raising their children with anishinaabe teachings, stories, skills and knowledge so their grandchildren and great grandchildren would be privileged to come to know these things. Together, they became well-known protectors of the Anishinaabe culture, language, health, and education in Treaty 3 territory and beyond. Their efforts took them on many journeys in sharing their voices and concerns for the preservation and protection of treaty rights throughout Canada.

Madeline was a well-known advocate throughout the Treaty #3 region for her dedication to the health and well-being of the Anishinaabeg. She travelled throughout the region attending traditional gatherings and pow-wows as a sacred drum carrier, Elder, as well as a cultural and spiritual advisor. Her home was always open to everyone and was a caregiver to many children who needed a place to stay. She was the Traditional Healing Coordinator for Lake of the Woods District Hospital for 25 years until her retirement. She was active with Chief and Council of Wauzhushk Onigum for many years as Chief Counsellor Advisor and Elder. She served on the Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner’s Select Aboriginal Advisory Council for 16 years. This is where she developed and maintained her close friendships with commissioners Gwen Boniface, Julian Fantino, Inspector Dave Lucas,Ron George and Jim Potts. She was involved in many other councils, committees throughout the years too numerous to mention.

Madeline lived life the same way she met challenges – head-on. She was tough, direct and uncompromising in her ways. Yet she would not turn anyone away when asked for help. Her 37 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren could make her heart melt. She believed in and supported cross-cultural understanding, teaching and communication in all work and advisement she was asked to undertake with native and non-native agencies and institutions.

Madeline was blessed with a large and loving family and is survived by her children Gail (Fred Morrison), Lynn (Lucien Aubin), Eleanor (Bert Landon), Doug, Calvin (Lisa Bull), Gary,(Paula) Cindy (Harold Piche), Nick (Rhonda) and Tanis (Allen Lachinette) ,her extended family, Joseph Tokwiro Norton, Millie Morriseau who adopted Madeline as her mother, Ida Skead and family, Rosanne Councillor and family, Leon Jourdain and family, Celina Goodstriker and family, . Her close and dear friends, Gerry Lucas, Dave Lucas, Jim Potts, Ron George, Frank Dickenson and Brent Dion. She is also survived by her brothers Ruben Cantin and family and Peter Cantin and family of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. Madeline is also survived by a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends from across Canada and the United States. She leaves to join her husband, Doug, who left in 1989, parents Peter and Agnes Cantin, brothers, Roy Cantin and Birdie Cantin, and adopted son Soloman Rae and in-laws, Bill and Julia Skead.

A Visitation and Celebration of her Life will be held at Golden Eagle Casino on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. her friends and relatives are invited to come share their memories.

Services will start at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012. A Traditional Service will follow on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Elder Stephen Kejick of Shoal Lake First Nation will officiating.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Left Lead, Tim Skead, Right Lead, Nathan Landon, Louis Cameron-Skead, Douglas Skead III, Ryan James Tom, Dusty Antoine Skead, Zachary Skead, and Peter Lachinette.

Honourary Pallbearers will be Fred Morrison, Bert Landon, Harold Piche, Lucien Aubin, Allen Lachinette, Dave Lucas, Gerry Lucas, and Leon Joudain.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGMENTS.

We love you, honour your life’s work and will not forget the many teachings you passed on to us.

“ Always work together when the going gets tough, stand up!”

Madeline Skead