Western mourns Elder Dan Smoke
Western mourns Elder Dan Smoke
The Western community is remembering Dr. Dan Smoke, a cherished Elder, educator, and spiritual leader, whose journey home to the Spirit World began on Monday, Nov. 4.
Dan Smoke, a proud member of the Seneca Nation from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Killdeer Clan, was a teacher, activist, writer and broadcaster.
The educational contributions were immeasurable, profoundly elevating Indigenous wisdom and knowledge while fostering bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through his work, he created lasting connections that impact both present and future generations.
“Elder Smoke was a highly respected mentor to many Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff and faculty, always providing guidance based on Indigenous ways of knowing and being, said Christy R. Bressette, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives). “The life he lived alongside his beloved wife, Elder Mary Lou Smoke, was an ongoing testament of the importance of walking softly on Mother Earth because all things are weaved together with beautiful interconnections.”
In 1990, Dan and Mary Lou, his wife of over 40 years, began the Smoke Signals radio program on Radio Western 94.9 FM, recognizing the need to fill Canadians’ gap in understanding current issues from an Indigenous perspective. It became Canada’s longest-running Indigenous campus radio show.
In 2019, the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) created the Smoke Signals Archive,where alumni Serena Mendizabal, also of Six Nations, worked closely with the Smokes to provide “a timeless account of their stories, adventures and love for their communities.”
“They taught me what it meant to embody good relations and care within our research, and with the communities we serve,” said Mendizabal. “The lines blurred between research partners and community kin, as their love extended beyond the confines of the institutions, but as elders to me, who cared for me and my potential in this world.”
In 2006, the Smokes served as instructors in Western’s Indigenous Studies Program, teaching about the representation of Indigenous issues in the media, eventually becoming adjunct faculty members in 2013. They were appointed to a five-year term with the Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2018.
Over the years, Dan and Mary Lou became common faces at campus events, leading ceremonies, sharing songs and teachings, counselling Indigenous students and offering guidance to countless faculty, students and staff.
In October 2022, Dan and Mary Lou received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Western in recognition of their immensely impactful work over the last three decades as broadcasters, teachers, activists and writers.
Dan served on numerous Elders Councils that guided the creation and implementation of Western’s first Indigenous Strategic Plan in 2016 and the opening of the Wampum Learning Lodge in 2022.
During his work on the Indigenous Curriculum and Learning Subcommittee in 2019, Dan shared a story that continues to guide the work of Indigenization of the curriculum at Western. He invited the committee to draw inspiration from the leadership demonstrated by Canadian geese, flying long distances in V-formation. As the goose in the lead tires, others from the flock will come forward to lead the formation, guiding each other through their relationships to the land and cosmos. This story, shared in a subsequent report entitled Maamwi Gizekewag , reminds us of the importance of relationality, working collaboratively and sharing the responsibilities of Indigenization and decolonization.
Dan's work directly advanced Western’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities through a spirit of inclusivity and understanding that helped create a more just and compassionate environment for all on campus and in the London community.
“Dan’s loss is felt deeply across our campus and far beyond,” said Dr. Bressette. “However, we are encouraged by the many lessons and stories he leaves behind as they will continue to shape our collective journey. His influence and impact will remain an enduring part of Western's ongoing commitment to reconciliation with the Earth and each other.”
Dan will be remembered for his beautiful and generous spirit, continuously embodying love, kindness and humour in all his work, teachings and guidance. His big, joyful laugh and warm smile immediately welcomed everyone who had the pleasure of visiting and learning alongside him.
We extend our most sincere condolences to Elder Dan Smoke’s family, friends and everyone whose lives were touched by the generosity of his spirit. We honour his memory, and we will carry forward his vision of a world rooted in respect, healing, and shared knowledge.
“There is no one quite like Dan Smoke, and his stories will surpass generations because of the love he had for our people,” said Mendizabal. “My life is forever changed because of them, and through all the work I do, I am always reminded what our relationships to community can look and feel like because of my time with the Smokes."
Details about a memorial and celebration of Elder Smoke’s life will be shared soon. We wish Dan a great journey to the Spirit World.
Baamaapii gawaabmin. Until we meet again.
