In Remembrance
The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) remembers former Indigenous staff, students, faculty and community volunteers. Do you know someone who is missing from this page? Please share details with isc.staff@uwo.ca.
Dan Smoke
1954-2024
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. https://indigenous.uwo.ca/AboutUs/media_comms/elder_dan_smoke.html
David Kanatawakhon-Maracle
1952-2023
It is with the heaviest of heart, that I must tell you all that our eldest brother, raktsia Kanatawakhon – David Maracle left us for Karonhyake the afternoon of Thursday, June 29th. Kanatawakhon dedicated his life to Kanyen’keha – Mohawk language and culture. As a boy, he would to talk our elderly speakers in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and ask them how ‘do you say’ this or that, then write it out phonetically. His passion to know more about our language through the years would drive him to write numerous dictionaries, texts and workbooks for everyone to learn. He loved knowing there were immersion programs in our communities and that there was determination of all ages to learn our language.
Kanatawakhon (he shakes the town) will be forever missed by his family, Marilyn, Sharon, Beverly, Dawn, Tom, Christine, Becky, Curtis, and Corey.
Mary Joy Elijah
1955 - 2023
"Peacefully at St. Thomas Hospital on Friday, May 5th, 2023, Mary Elijah of Oneida Nation in her 69th year.
Loving partner of Ken Doxtator. Cherished mother of Ron Elijah, Dayna McDougall (Glen), Kahnekiyostha, Jeff Doxtator, and Toni Doxtator. Proud grandma of Kasanahawi, Kiyana, Gregory, Quincy, Shenoa, Orianna (Evan), Teshakowanakhwa, Twentahawihte, Russell, Kahuwiyo, Kahnekanolu, and the late Ronnie. Dear sister of Holly, Glenn and the late Ross (Betty). Fondly remembered by special family friend Wes. Predeceased by her parents Russell and Daisy Elijah" Taken from www.elliottmadill.com
Jared Lees
1987 to 2021
"Jared K. Lees Feb. 13, 1987 to Aug. 16, 2021 Jared came into this world on Friday 13th, under a full moon, and was suddenly take from us on August 16, 2021 Jared spent his growing years in Marathon, Sault Ste. Marie ON and Thunder Bay." Taken from https://jared.remembered.com/
Sasha Doxtator
1981-2021
"DOXTATOR, Sasha Nicole
Surrounded by Love and Light on Sunday, July 18, 2021 Sasha Doxtator of Oneida Nation in her 41st year began her journey across the stars to the Skyworld.
Loving mother of Azlyn Cortez, adored daughter of Sheila Nicholas and Jack Doxtator (predeceased). Precious granddaughter of Beatrice and Charles (predeceased) Nicholas and Frank and Laura (predeceased) Doxtator. Treasured sister of Samantha Doxtator, Eric and Bevy Nicolas, Brayden Nicholas, Amanda Bird, Tiffany Bird. Loving auntie to Baby Eric, Alyssa, Tristan, Brennan, Kiya, Kyle, Madison, Genesee, Tahnesia, and Tania. Dearest niece to Charlene and Mike Deleary, Kelly Nicholas and Sim Elijah, Charles Nicholas (Darlene), Ed Nicholas (Amy), Teresa Nicholas, Kevin Doxtator (Nola), Jessica, Patricia, Grace, and Debbie Doxtator. Loved sister/cousin to: Sarah, Tanya, Courtney, Tange and Adrienna.
Away from home mom/auntie to Riley and Addy.
Fondly remembered by: Larry Cortez and Step-dad Rick Ireland.
Sasha will also be missed by many cousins, lifelong friends, her sisterhood, Western University family and many esteemed colleagues.
A Star will be made out in her name to remember she is only a glance at the sky away." Taken from lfpress.remembering.ca
Donna Maureen Wiley (nee Spero)
1969 to 2021
Maureen, affectionately known as Moe to her family and friends, passed away unexpectedly on Lake Rousseau, near her cottage, in a place that brought her incredible peace and happiness. Born in Sarnia, daughter to Rosella Spero and Stephen Spero (deceased), she is survived by her children Heather, Lucas and Jackson Wiley. She will be missed by her sisters Laura Spero, Katherine Spero, Lynda Kiriakakos (husband Peter) and her twin sister Heather Angelo (husband Dustin).
From the day her three beautiful babies were born, Moe was first and foremost a mother. She was a natural mom with her gentle spirit and calming demeanour. As the kids grew up, Moe participated in all their activities. She volunteered and coached both Luke and Jackson’s basketball, flag football and soccer teams for a number of years (she notoriously had to YouTube soccer drills as she had NO idea what she was doing). She led Heather’s Girl Scout troop and helped coach her elementary school’s cross-country team. She never missed a hockey game of the boys or any regatta of Luke’s no matter what city it was in. As the kids grew up, Moe was focused on being close to them at all times. Heather and Luke lived out of town and she would drop everything when they returned home for a weekend. She never missed the opportunity to cook and sit down to dinner with Jackson during his busy last year of high school. Her unconditional love shone bright and they in turn are three of the most loving and selfless young adults. Being a mom was pure joy to her. It was never a duty to Maureen, it was pure bliss and she had so much fun being a part of their lives in every aspect." Taken from www.arbormemorial.ca
Ida Paquette
1947-2020
"Ida passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at University Hospital in London, Ontario. She is predeceased by her father, Samuel Carpenter, her mother Jessie Carpenter, brothers Stanley (Joe) Carpenter and Gordon Carpenter, and sister Emily Mitchell.
Ida will be deeply missed by her children, Rachael Paquette, Gordon Paquette, Timothy Paquette, Paul Paquette, and her husband, Jerry Paquette, her grandchildren, Theo, Jacob, Xavier, Zachary, Andrew, and Yolanda.
Ida was born on September 20, 1947 in Slate Falls, Ontario. She was raised and worked in a very traditional lifestyle helping her parents with trapping, hunting, and fishing and other demanding duties of a young Ojibwe woman of her time. Ida attended a practical learning program in Quetico and pursued study with Noki’kwe in London." Taken from www.ckdr.net
Ryan Doxtator
1972 to 2014
"RYAN JAMES DOXTATOR OCT. 13, 1972 - AUG. 31, 2014 Dear Son: Four years have gone by since your passing. It was a hot and sunny day when your brother Graham and your dad found you at home. AJ the dog was faithfully by your side and would not leave your side. It broke our hearts to hear her crying. How I long to hold you close and tell you how much I love you just one more time son. This feeling never leaves me and I think of you each and every day! August has always been such a sad month for me. My dad, James C. Hill was killed in a car accident on August 20th, 1955. My cousin Jack Hill died in a house fire on August 8th, 1980. His son Robert died at summer camp in a cabin fire, three years later. Our house caught on fire and destroyed most of our belongings on August 8th, 1988. My mom passed away August 12th, 1992 from cancer. But I have been blessed with a beautiful little grand daughter Demi Ryan born 3 years ago an August 11th, 2015. I hold her special to my heart. So, Ryan, please know that your children Vivica and Casimir are healthy and doing good. Vivica comes from Windsor to visit your grave any change she can. She misses you dearly. Know you are loved and missed son and we are all greatful for giving us almost 42 years of time with you........Love forever, From your Mom and all the family." taken from lfpress.remembering.ca
