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TOBASONAKWUT KAAGAGEWANAKWEB PETER (KELLY) KINEW -
Date of Passing: Dec 23, 2012
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TOBASONAKWUT KAAGAGEWANAKWEB PETER (KELLY) KINEW 1936 - 2012 Ahow ndinawemaaganiidog, Tobasonakwut Kaagagewanakweb Peter Kinew (Kelly), Pizhiw O'dotem (Lynx clan), made his journey to the spirit world on the morning of December 23, 2012. He was 76. Tobasonakwutiban was a well-respected member of the Anishinaabe community, whose life and work was known throughout Canada and the United States. He was a tireless advocate and teacher of civil liberties and treaty rights, indigenous language, culture, and philosophy. He was a pipe carrier, Sundance chief, and high-degree member of the Mite'iwin. Tobasonakwutiban was born on his father's trap line on Lake of the Woods in 1936 and chosen by elders as a child to be instructed and mentored in the knowledge and traditions of the Anishinaabeg. His knowledge was unparalleled. Throughout his life he loved to spend time on the lake sharing its beauty with his family and friends from all over the world. At a young age he was taken away to St. Mary's Residential School, which he was only allowed to attend until grade eight. Despite this, he pursued his education at the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, University of Manitoba (BA), culminating in an Honourary Doctorate in Laws from The University of Winnipeg in 2011. He encouraged many to pursue their educations, inspiring countless people to become lawyers and doctors. He also inspired many to live a life free of drugs and alcohol. In his political career, Tobasonakwutiban served as Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty 3 (1972 to 1975, 1991 to 1995), and as the first Ontario regional chief for AFN, as well as several terms as Chief of the Ojibways of Onigaming. He was instrumental in the establishment and guidance of many organizations that advocated for language revitalization, treaty and First Nations rights. In the quest to find healing after the loss of his two sons Darryl and Danny, he continued in the Mite'iwin and other Anishinaabe ceremonies, and embraced the Lakota Sundance, becoming a powerful teacher and mentor to many in these traditions. As part of his life journey, Tobasonakwutiban strove for meaningful action and carried out traditional Anishinaabe ceremonies in the name of reconciliation, with emphasis on the residential school experience. This included giving Pope Benedict XVI an eagle feather in 2009, adopting the Archbishop of Winnipeg James Weisgerber as his brother in 2012, and sharing the Anishinaabe worldview with all peoples, Native and non-Native. Tobasonakwutiban was a profound thinker. He connected western intellectual traditions and scientific inquiry with Anishaabe philosophy and cosmology. It was his life's work to share the depth and beauty of Anishinaabe wisdom with the world. He was a founding member of the Native American Science Academy. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He joins his mother, father, sons Darryl and Danny, twin Bineshii, and brothers Edwin and John. He is survived by his wife Kathi, brother Fred, sister Nancy, children Pat (Herman), Diane, Wabanakwut, Shawon Kiwetinashiik (Jesse), Nenaa'ikiizhikok, grandchildren Devon, Derek, Melissa, Jennifer, Daniel, Wendy, Jason, Matthew, Lisa, Peshanakwut, Mike, Dominik Oshkii'anang, Bezhigomiigwaan and numerous great-grandchildren and adopted relatives. A memorial service for family and friends will be held in Winnipeg at Glen Lawn Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 27. The wake will be held on Friday, December 28 at Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, ON. The funeral will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29 at the Onigaming Round House. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to the Dr. Tobasonakwut Kinew Fund for the promotion of Indigenous Culture, History and Language, care of The University of Winnipeg Foundation.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2012
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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I just wanna say that I miss you very much. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think of you. I have these memories in my mind of this smiling happy man who was to me 10 feet tall. Through everything he went through he always made me feel so warm and loved, that to me was a blessing for sure. The love he gave to me I will always carry with me. I am so proud to be a part of him and will never forget the impact he made not just in my life but on the people who loved him and knew him. I love you mishoomis always and will never forget your smile. Rest and peace to you as you still travel. All my love. - Posted by: Lisa (Granddaughter ) on: Sep 26, 2018
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What a remarkable journey and a powerful legacy for us all. Kathi, I understand better now why the light of your wisdom and your passion for justice shines so bright. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and family. - Posted by: Dhiwya Attawar (friend) on: Jan 09, 2013
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My sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Peter Kinew. I met this wonderful teacher as a participant at a few Traditional Gatherings where he served as keynote speaker held in the Bemidji area. What an honor it was to have learned from his teachings. Also had the honor of Mide Lodge and sweat lodge with mutual friend, deceased Greg Kingbird. - Posted by: Helen Taylor Condo (Student) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Tobasonakwat was my hero, my friend, my teacher, I am honoured & grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him. You will be missed beyond measure, no words can express the amount sorrow in my heart, you touched so many lives, I have known you many years, you were always in my prayers, and I shall continue to pray for your family. The people have posted Absolute Truths about you beautiful spirit and your kindness & wisdom will be treasured for generations. Miigwetch Tobasonakwat. - Posted by: Jacqueline Daniels (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2012
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I remember Peter from a few of the sweats I was blessed to attend at Gary's family home. These ceremonies still bring me peace when I think about them. He always gave these experiences strong spiritual meaning. He also had a fun sense of humor, Thank you. I send my condolences to everyone, especially his family and children. - Posted by: Heather (Towle) Nissen Hall (Student's Student) on: Dec 29, 2012
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While I did not know her husband, Kathi Kinew is one of the kindest people I have ever had the honour of knowing. Kathi I know how much you loved your husband and my thoughts are with you now. - Posted by: Charmagne de Veer (friend) on: Dec 29, 2012
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He was my first, foundational teacher. He gave me my name, my pipe, put me out to fast, and helped me reconnect to my roots. He inspired me to find a way to serve the community. I will never forget the influence he had on my life. My love to your family. Miigwech for sharing him with all of us. May your hearts be comforted. - Posted by: Victoria S (friend) on: Dec 28, 2012
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I first met Peter when he attended a class that was part of a course taught by Kathi. I was impressed with Peter's spirit which was strong, true and positive. I felt then that I was in the presence of a great one and aspired to be in touch with God as much as was Peter. I knew from my relationship with Kathi that Peter was her rock and pray that she and her children find solace and peace in God during this most difficult time. - Posted by: Anita Marcotte (Former student of Kathi Kinew) on: Dec 28, 2012
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I may not have known your husband but I met you many times on the street where you live and used to say hello as you walked to work. May you find comfort in the memories you have built. - Posted by: Bev (neighbour) on: Dec 28, 2012
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I had the privilege of knowing Peter since the late 1960's through university, work and social contacts. He was a strong person, seized with the preservation of Anishnaabe language, spiritualism, culture, history and treaty rights. He had a wry sense of humour and was always ready to speak about the importance of the land and waters of the Lake of the Woods area. I will remember him. - Posted by: Dennis Wallace () on: Dec 28, 2012
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To his family, Peter was a friend. We discussed spiritual ideas many times. Peter gave me my spirit name and help me set up my space for my 4 day fast. I will always be grateful for his teachings and his gentleness. - Posted by: Kichi Gami Ikwe (friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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To his family, Peter was a friend. We discussed spiritual ideas many times. Peter gave me my spirit name and help me set up my space for my 4 day fast. I will always be grateful for his teachings and his gentleness. - Posted by: Kichi Gami Ikwe (friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Peter in Kenora a number of years ago. I remember it was very profound, since then I was fortunate to have been to some of the events he was at. A gentle, humble person, great respect for this man. A great advocate for our Anishinaabe traditions and culture. You will be missed, rest in peace. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Frances Desjarlais (friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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peter would always come to the store where i used to work at (123 marion street) to buy lotto 6/49 tickets and chat with me for a few minutes. What a great guy he was! He always had a smile on his face and a positive outlook in life. My condolences to Peter's family -eric edwards - Posted by: eric edwards () on: Dec 27, 2012
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Kathi, Wab, & Shawon, our sincere condolences on the loss of Peter. We only knew him through our sons playing hockey together but we found him to be an extremely interesting and caring person with lots of stories to tell. Rest in peace Peter we will miss you. - Posted by: Lynne & Larry Lamirande & Jeff Lamirande (Friends) on: Dec 27, 2012
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To Kathi, Wab and Shawon and family: Love, blessings and condolences for a wonderful husband, father, teacher and friend. He left a great legacy to follow and I am proud to be part of that and your family. Many thoughts and prayers from Sao Paulo. - Posted by: Mabel Lena Horton (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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I met Peter for the first time this past summer at the Big Island Pow-Wow. He took one look at me and said how much I looked like my grandmother. What I didn't know was that my grandparents, John and Mary Daniels, had traditionally adopted Peter in his younger years. I was very saddened to learn of Peter's passing, especially to lose an Elder. It was heartening to know that Peter made it his life's work to transmit the knowledge that he had onto other generations. I also wanted to let you know that my mother, Shirley, and my Uncle Mel, were very saddened to learn of their brother's passing and have asked that their condolences be passed along, and that even if they didn't see Peter often still held him closely in their hearts. - Posted by: Chantal Batt () on: Dec 27, 2012
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In the early 90's I was honoured by six men who dedicated their fast to me, Tobasonakwut being the first. I will never forget that honor that was bestowED on me by these six brothers. It was Tobasonakwut who took us under his wings and guided us through that experience. I am still in awe of this man who did this for me. He came to me each of the four days we were on that rock overlooking the surrounding area. He talking about what was around us and described in great detail how this land came to be. His knowledge of our history, traditions and culture were seemingly boundless. We have lost a great teacher and I am honoured to have been called "Brother" by this man. Our condolences to Kathi and his family... - Posted by: Clarence Nepinak (Brother) on: Dec 27, 2012
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Kathi Kathi and Family - Kathi and Family - I was so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He and Tony were such good friends over the years and I always enjoyed seeing him. He stayed in contact after Tony's death and always asked how Edmund was doing which I very much appreciated. He was a fine man and a tireless champion for First Nations people. Peter will be missed but we are all better people for having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Trish Merrithew-Mercredi - Posted by: Trish Merrithew-Mercredi (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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I have had the honour of meeting Peter in 1987 when I was very young. I Sundanced with him at Crowdog's Paradise at Rosebud, South Dakota. Peter was my mentor and looked up to him and he was the most repectful, traditional, humble and the nicest person I ever met. I ran into Peter at Manitoahbee Pow-wow in Wpg and he was talking about his family and asking about our families back home. He was truly a genuine person and will be sadly missed by my family and those that knew him. Rest in Peace, brother. - Posted by: Karl Stone (Pashe) (friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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Meegwetch for your guidance and support. See you later. - Posted by: Matrine Therriault (friend) on: Dec 27, 2012