- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
DON A. CARDINAL
Born: Apr 16, 1937
Date of Passing: May 20, 2008
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDON A. CARDINAL April 16, 1937 - May 20, 2008 With strong hearts and much love, the family of Don Cardinal share with you the news of his passing. Don was a leader, a teacher and a healer. In his early years, as Vice President of the Indian Association of Alberta (1968 to 1975), he was a key strategist in the political fight to protect treaty rights in Canada, most notably in the struggle against the Federal governments' 1969 White Paper . A big passion of his was teaching Aboriginal history, culture and philosophy to people across Canada. He later became a leader in the cultural revival and renaissance of Indigenous spirituality throughout North America, but what he loved most was working with traditional medicines and ceremonies to help those who were in distress physically and spiritually. Don is survived by his wife Allison and his 10 children: Jackie (Dennis), Lewis (Patricia), Lorne (Cheri), Lisa, Tami (Robin), Trevor (Lisa), Tara, Andrew, Megan and Sabrina. And his grandchildren: Pam, Mary, Jacqui, Hunter, Shelby, Michael, Shaina, Darryanne, Lane, Kale, Darius, Dakota, Jessy and great-granddaughter Delaney. Don was Cree from the Sucker Creek First Nation in Northern Alberta. Don was predeceased by his mother Agnes, his father Frank, his brothers Harold and Ronald, his sister Florence and his grandson Denny. On Friday, May 23 at 5:00 p.m., Don will be prepared for his journey home with a traditional Aboriginal ceremony and memorial at the Circle of Life Thunderbird House in Winnipeg at 715 Main St. After the Thunderbird House ceremonies, Don will then be accompanied by his family to Edmonton where a final ceremony and memorial will be held at the Westmont Community Hall at 127 Street and 109 Avenue on Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at the Edmonton Cemetery. The family would like to thank those who stood by him during his illness; your many prayers, acts of kindness and generosity were blessings for the family during the most difficult of times. And to the nursing staff and doctors at the Seven Oaks Hospital ICU, we thank you all for the respect and caring you shared with Don and the family. PRAIRIELAND ABORIGINAL FUNERAL HOME IN CARE OF ARRANGEMENTS 447 SELKIRK AVE 226-7581 OR 1-866-661-7555
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2008
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
-
Around 1988 Don came to spend a week with a bunch of families at a camp named Unirondack, in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. He tought us to build a traditional sweat lodge using branches and canvas (as we had no skins). Tobacco was buried in appropriate corners. We kept the lodge in repair and used it for years. He also shared his spirituality with us, showing what I can only describe as a creche, full of images. I remember my 4 year old son asking Don about some of the Christian imagery in it, along with more traditional ones. Don replied that one should be open to all views of spirituality (or something close to that). My son nodded and verbalized his agreement. Don was very pleased with the interaction with our small but thoughtful boy and told us so. Today I was watching the TVO series “First Contact” and it made me think of Don, which is why I am on this site today. My week with Don has never been far from my own world view. - Posted by: Philip John lewin (a fellow traveller in this world) on: Mar 09, 2020
-
It's a while since GrandFather Don Cardinals passing, and I still think of him everyday. He saved my life and he will always be in my heart. - Posted by: Gary LeClere (Friend and Pipe Maker) on: Mar 31, 2016
-
We were very sorry to hear of Don's passing. The world has lost a great man with much knowledge. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Ken & Mary Felt (Acquaintance) on: May 23, 2008