Selina was born on July 6, 1932 in the Kanesatake Mohawk Territory, Quebec. She was the beloved wife of the late Elijah Aronhiake Etienne, whom she married on December 4, 1954 having five children - Brenda Tiohenthate Etienne, David Dawitt Rosweh Etienne, Robert Thawentathe Etienne, Dianna Darlene Kahentine Francis (Timothy), and Wayne Karonhiioton Etienne (Cindy).
Selina was the last Mohawks of Kanesatake Indian Residential School survivor. Returning to Kanesatake at age 17, Selina was resilient and regained the ancient Mohawk language she lost while at residential school. Selina worked with Elijah making hand crafted axe handles, oars, and canes that they sold to farms across Canada. They started a school bus transportation company and for 27 years transported Kanesatake children to surrounding schools. In 1991 Selina earned her Teaching Certificate from McGill University. She passed on the Mohawk language teaching students in the community schools for almost 15 years.
Selina was predeceased by her husband Elijah on February 20, 1998 and by her son David Etienne on December 25, 2004. She is survived by her grandchildren Lee Etienne, Jason Montour, Wathahine Etienne-Standing, Jessica Etienne, and Hunter Francis - and by her great-grandchildren Otsisto, Maya, Kendra, Rarahkwakatste, Sammy, Aronhiawente, Kanerahtahere, and Ratsenhiiostha.
Family and friends may visit at Guay Funeral Home located at 156 Rue Notre Dame, Oka, Quebec J0N 1E0 beginning Wednesday December 8th at 1-5 pm and 7-9 pm and on Thursday December 9th 10am-12pm. Services will be held at the same location 12pm on Thursday December 9th followed by burial at the Onentokon Cemetary, Kanesatake, Quebec. Family and friends are invited to the funeral feast following burial at the Kanesatake United Church Hall located at 240 Rue St. Michel in Oka, Quebec.
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