James Windego Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Windego Sr. Jim was a respected elder of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation where he lived on his own until his passing. He was from the Biizhiw clan and was born to Bobby Adams Sr. and Marguerite Shoniawabik. He was raised by his grandfather who he loved and respected so much that he took his last name as his own. He loved his family, culture, language, and to laugh. He practiced traditional medicine and traveled the country attending pow wows, conducting teachings, singing, and ceremonies. Born and raised on Rainy Lake he spent his youth guiding, logging, and was Chief of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation for 13 years. Being a leader and visionary he assisted in the creation of many of the Aboriginal organizations in Treaty #3. He was a founding father of Nanicost Limited, United Native Friendship Centre, and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services. He served as a spiritual advisor for Shooiyaa Wa-Bitoong and many other native organizations across the country. Jim loved his family and was a hard worker and provider that never let his family want for anything.

Jim also was predeceased by his wife Nina Gertrude Windego, sister Rosemary Perrault, brother Mike Windego, grandson Clayton Windego Jr., daughters-in-law, Charlene Windego, Deanne Rae, and Linda Shebagegit, along with infant son, Kevin Jonathon Shebagegit.

Jim and Nina Windego were united in marriage on July 25, 1956.

Jim Windego Sr. is survived by ; sister Elizabeth Brown of Manitou Rapoids First Nation, and his 12 children, Charles Windego, Beatrice Angeconeb, and Clayton Windego (Jackie), all of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Dennis Windego (Ellen) of Thunder Bay, Gail Windego of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Jim Windego Jr. of Sioux Lookout, Louann Windego (Arthur Gesic) of Fort Frances, Garry Windego (Kathy) of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Diane Windego of Kenora, Verna Windego and William Windego (Florence), all of Fort Frances, and Brad Windego (Sherrise) of Big Grassy First Nation.

Also surviving are her grandchildren, Charity, Angela, Joseph, Kristen, Krystal, Charles Jr., Emily, Christian, Lynn Marie, Jeremiah, Jade, Sarah, Tim, Tara, Tyler, Rocky, Chantelle, Taylor, Alyssa, Kelsey, Vincent, Peter, Jamie, Johnathan, Landyn, Allison, Nolan, Ryan, Laura, Denise, Shayla, Christopher, Melissa, Brandon, Kayla, Shana, and Savannah; and 51 great-grandchildren.

He also is survived by nieces and nephews

A wake will be held at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation Community Hall in the evening on Wednesday, May 13, 2015.

A traditional burial by Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015 in the morning at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation Hall, with burial to follow at the family plot. Elder Ralph Johnson will officiate.

The pallbearers will be; Chuck Windego, Tim Windego, Jamie Gesic, Perry Bebaamaash, Jade Windego, Peter Windego, Brandon Anderson, and Christopher Anderson.

The honorary pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren.

If family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.

Online condolence may be offered at wwwgreenfuneralhomefortfrances.com