В северной Онтарио прощались с Нормой Кейджик, пожизненным защитником интересов молодежи коренных народов

First Nation leaders, educators in northwestern Ontario remember Norma Kejick Kejick, a member of Lac Seul First Nation, died on Saturday at age 59 Condolences have been pouring in on social media following the death of Norma Kejick over the weekend, who is being remembered as a lifelong advocate for First Nations youth in northwestern Ontario. Kejick, a member of Lac Seul First Nation, died in Sioux Lookout on Saturday at 59 years old. She spent 35 years with the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council (NNEC), becoming its executive director in 2015. Kiiwetinoong NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa shared news of Kejick’s passing over the weekend on behalf of her family. “We will always remember her generosity of spirit, her deep devotion and love for her children and her family, her work family, students and communities. She gave everything she had to everyone she loved,” Mamakwa wrote. Kejick worked closely with the staff and students at the Wahsa Distance Education Centre, Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School in Thunder Bay, and Pelican Falls First Nations High School in Sioux Lookout. She brought the Yellow Ribbon Campaign to the board to help spread awareness about suicide, and was a champion for youth mental health. “Norma was a leader who led with her heart and made herself available to the communities, students, parents, staff and partner organizations day and night,” says a post shared by DFC on Facebook. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute also issued a statement on Kejick’s passing, saying her “lifelong dedication to First Nations education and community leadership leaves a lasting legacy.” Kejick was involved in the Seven Youth Inquest, which examined the deaths of seven First Nations' youth in Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2011 who had moved for school. She later helped co-found the Wake the Giant movement, which aims to make the city safer for students who move there from northern communities. Her contributions to Indigenous education in northern Ontario were exceptional and enduring.- Nishnawbe Aski Nation “She understood what it meant for a young person to leave their community to continue their education, and she committed herself to making sure those students were supported, seen, and cared for,” said Nishnabwe Aski Nation, a political-territorial organization that represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5. “Norma was there for the families and students during the Seven Youth Inquest, fighting for justice and accountability.” NAN gave Kejick the Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2024, “a recognition that reflected what so many already knew: that her contributions to Indigenous education in northern Ontario were exceptional and enduring,” NAN wrote. ‘A grounded and purposeful leader’ In addition to supporting students — both in the classroom and on the ice (namely the Lac Seul Tomahawks hockey team) — Kejick also dedicated more than 20 years of service to the Lac Seul Police, “serving as board chair and significantly contributing to the development of the police service,” the Lac Seul Police Service wrote on Facebook. “Throughout her tenure, Norma's leadership helped shape the organization, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community. Her unwavering commitment and compassion earned her widespread respect and admiration,” it continues. In expressing his condolences, NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said Kejick “took on leadership roles in many aspects of community life, always guided by a deep dedication to the safety and well-being of her people.” “Norma had strong connections to the land. She found meaning and restoration in camping, fishing, and hunting — the same relationship with the land that grounds so many of our people,” NAN’s statement says. “She carried that connection into her work and into her life, and it was part of what made her such a grounded and purposeful leader. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and all who benefited from her service.” A viewing for Kejick is being held at the Sioux Lookout Funeral Home from 10 a.m. CT until 2 p.m. CT on Aug. 31. Her funeral is set to take place at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Sioux Lookout at 11 a.m. CT on Sept. 1 with a reception to follow at 1 p.m. CT. Mental health counselling and crisis support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.