DOROTHY BETZ (NEPINAK)

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DOROTHY BETZ (nee NEPINAK) On Sunday, September 9, 2007, Dorothy Betz passed away peacefully at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. Dorothy is survived by her beloved husband, Elmer, her daughters: Linda Keeper, Lorraine (Solly) Kakegamic, Irene (Terry) Plowman, June Funk and her son: Tom Betz. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Bernadette Nepinak, youngest daughter, Tara, her sister, Roseanne, and brother, Thomas Nepinak. Dorothy was born at the Pine Creek Reserve on June 26, 1929, lost her parents at an early age and was raised by her grandparents. She attended Pine Creek Residential School until the age of 18 and worked in various places before moving to Winnipeg in 1948. She met the love of her life, Elmer, whom she married on December 2, 1950. They made their home in Winnipeg and together raised their family of six children. Dorothys greatest joy was to spend time with her family, whom she loved immensely and never missed a birthday or special occasion. She would spend endless hours knitting and making gifts for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her love and generosity extended beyond her immediate family and she was always there to lend a helping hand to her relatives, friends and even strangers. We will always remember her for her contagious laugh, sense of humour, and generous spirit of giving. Dorothy was moved by the hardship suffered by native people and her compassion and dedication led her to a lifelong career in aboriginal law and community service. Dorothy was one of the original founding members for the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, pioneered the first Native Court Communicators Program with the Province of Manitoba, where she used her Ojibway language to help numerous aboriginal people to understand the law. She was appointed as the Canadian delegate to the Fifth United Nations Congress in Geneva, Switzerland and spoke on the topics of women, youth and aboriginal people. She was a board member and volunteer for many organizations, such as Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, Manitoba Society of Criminology, Manitoba Correctional Institutions, Native Clan Organization, Juvenile Review Board, Juvenile Corrections Child Welfare Government Board, Main Street Project, Police Natives Committee, Aboriginal Health Wellness Centre, Aboriginal Centre, Human Rights Committee, Native Alcoholism Council, one of the founding members of the Kekinan Centre (Aboriginal Seniors Residence), RCMP Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Pathway Children's Home, Marymound School, Manitoba Association of Rights Liberties, Ma Mawi Chi Itata Centre, Native Women's Transition Centre, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, and Keteyatsak Elders and Seniors. Dorothy was the recipient of many awards and was recognized by many of her colleagues and friends for her work as a community leader and a native community activist. Some awards include the Order of the Buffalo Hunt (Prov. of Manitoba), the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, Women of the Year Award, Joe Zuken Award for citizen activist to name a few. Even up to the time of her death Dorothy could be seen selling her knitting at the Aboriginal Centre to raise funds for the native youth programs. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the Concordia Hospital for the excellent care and compassion shown. They also wish to thank granddaughter, Christine, and grandson, Edward, for their special devotion and dedication to Granny and Grandpa. Father Dominique Kerbrat will officiate at the viewing/prayers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 13 at the Glen Eden Funeral Chapel, 4477 Main Street, Winnipeg. Father Jose Cabral will officiate at the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 14 at the same location. Interment to follow at the Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. A reception to honour Dorothy will be held at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, 45 Robinson Street, Winnipeg following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dorothy Betz Memorial Fund in care of 829 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2K 1J3 for Aboriginal Youth Programs. Dorothy, Mom, Granny, Great-Granny, you have touched our hearts and the hearts of many who knew you. You will be lovingly missed and your memory will be treasured always. May you rest in peace. Arrangements Entrusted To: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2007