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ORVILLE CHARLES SMOKE (TOCAN SNEYA HAD NAJEE)
Born: Jul 12, 1947
Date of Passing: Oct 05, 2021
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ORVILLE CHARLES SMOKE
TOCAN SNEYA HAD NAJEE
"HE WHO STANDS MAKING A NOISE"
Orville will be lovingly remembered by his brothers, Ronald Smoke Sr. and Leslie Smoke; his children, Arden (Sherry), Donny (Joan) and Evangeline (Jason); wife Rosalind and her sons, Peter Sky and Cole Merrick; grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan), Chandelle, Ethan, Melora (Jeff), Keaton (Jordan), Jaytey, Sophia and Deshawn; great-grandchildren, Riley and Rowan. He was predeceased by his parents, Tiyo and Chaske Smoke, sister Rowena McIvor and brothers, Raymond, Ernie, Stuart, Arnett, Gordon and Laurence Smoke.
Orville was born in Portage la Prairie on July 12, 1947. He attended Portage la Prairie Residential School and vocational college in Winnipeg. Orville began working for the community of Dakota Plains in 1968, becoming Chief in 1994 with the blessing of the community following the passing of his brother Ernie. A jack of all trades, Orville was a skilled mechanic, plumber, welder, preacher, hunter, poet and artist. He enjoyed playing and watching pool, baseball, hockey and listening to good music. He was the most kindhearted and caring man, always willing to lend a helping hand and listening ear to anyone who was in need. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew them.
"There it blooms, the beautiful rose
Answers, dreams, I looked for so long
Only I, no one else knows
Now my heart, soul, It sings a song"
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2021, Oct 09, 2021
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Hello to the family and friends of Chief Orville Smoke; I am so sorry to hear of his passing, I send all my prayers and sympathy for you all! I saw the documentary just today and I am truly heartbroken to hear of the struggles of not only Mr. Smoke but of all the Indigenous people who have been treated as something lower than human. It offends my very spirit to know of the way that "The Indian Act" has removed the God given right of every person no matter their ethnicity to thrive! I am proud of the person he became in spite of what he went through, and I only know a little. I am also proud of his family and the beautiful legacy they worked so hard to achieve; may God truly bless you and your desire to care for one another and hope with all my heart that one day soon you are able to be on the road to self sufficiency as he and so many have desired!! God bless and keep you, know that this non-Indian is on the side of right and just for you all! My very Warmest Regards; Ghisele - Posted by: Ghisele Bouchard (Sister In Christ) on: Apr 20, 2022
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I watched I’m not an Indian and saw Chief Orillve Smoke. So I said I’m going to google this man. Instantly brought tear to my eyes seen he recently passed. I just want to say thank you to him. My deepest condolences to to his family and his people. Much respect - Posted by: Louise Charles (First Nation of Beecher Bay/Haisla nation) on: Oct 26, 2021