Hundreds Pay Respects To Ahenakew At Funeral

Hundreds Pay Respects To Ahenakew At Funeral

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 15:16

 

 

First Nations leaders from across Canada paid homage to a well-known public figure from the Ahtahkakoop First Nation yesterday.

 

David Ahenakew, the former chief of both the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Assembly of First Nations, was laid to rest at the age of 76.

 

Several hundred people turned out for the service, with some organizers estimating the final number to be close to 1,000.

 

His son, Greg, described his father as a loving man who made a difference in the lives of many.

 

Others described Ahenakew as a fierce leader who didn’t sugar-coat words, especially when treaty rights were at stake.

 

In addition to setting up the foundation for the First Nations University of Canada, Ahenakew also helped direct talks during the signing of the Constitution.

 

Colleague Jim Sinclair implored people to keep fighting for the FNUC, saying that’s what his friend would have wanted.

 

Sinclair also said he was disappointed that more people didn’t step forward to support Ahenakew a few years ago when he was prosecuted over remarks he made about Jews.

 

Former FSIN Chief Sol Sanderson said Ahenakew’s keen insight into provincial and federal politics served his people well — while Onion Lake First Nation Chief Wallace Fox said Ahenakew’s fierce style rubbed off on him and helped Fox become a better leader.

 

Ahenakew’s body was taken by horse-drawn carriage to a cemetery on the reserve, where he was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends.

 

There, Manitoba chief Terrence Nelson presented the Ahenakew family with an eagle staff.

 

Nelson described Ahenakew as a warrior who fought until the end.

 

AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo also sent his condolences to the family through a message read at the service.