ESTHER MARGARET SANDERSON

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

• Esther was a passionate and articulate advocate for Indigenous students, languages, and cultures during her time at UCN in The Pas. It was a privilege to work with her on several committees. Kara and I enjoyed catching up with her and Doris on the walking trail alongside Halcrow Avenue from spring to autumn. Sincere condolences to Doris and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Keith Hyde (colleague) on: Feb 08, 2023

• To the family and community of Esther Sanderson — Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Esther. I had the good fortune to work with Esther, alongside her sister Doris, at University College of the North for many years, as she shared her knowledge, values and beliefs regarding education in the north. She has made a significant difference to education in northern Manitoba and beyond, and she will be missed. Safe travels, Esther! - Posted by: Linda Melnick (Former colleague at UCN) on: Feb 07, 2023

• I had the opportunity to get to know Esther at Egg Lake, during Onikaniwak. She shared her knowledge and time with me and many others. We were much the richer for having known her. I will miss her. Take care on your spirit journey. - Posted by: Darryl Shotton (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2023

• I will miss her dearly. She taught me so many things about life. I cherish the memory of time at Egg Lake Camp Leadership Conference. LOVE the children is what she imparted to all the participants. Rest well in Spirit world - I know you will be watching over us. Laura Ayres - Posted by: Laura Ayres (Student) on: Feb 07, 2023

• I always loved seeing Esther in the halls at UCN. She was such a gentle spirit and always had a smile. She helped me a lot with learning about the north and Indigenous peoples....even when I mistook her for Doris (before I knew they were twins!) She will be missed. - Posted by: Meaghan Buchanan (Coworker) on: Feb 07, 2023

• Esther was a friend, a colleague, and a treasured mentor. My heartfelt condolences to Esther's family and her dear sister, Doris. - Posted by: Connie Wyatt Anderson (Friend ) on: Feb 06, 2023

• Tansi. I had the privilege of being Esther’s Executive Assistant at SIFV/FNUniv from 1996 - 2005. Esther was a great co-worker, mentor, teacher, Elder and friend. Esther was a great support to me throughout my journey in life. She provided me with knowledge, guidance, love, encouragement, friendship. I learned about my culture with Esther. Esther will always be with us. She is a strong and gentle spirit filled with love and wisdom. I have so many beautiful memories of Esther. Until we meet again. Sending love, peace and prayers to Sheila, Mark, Doris and families. - Posted by: Kendra Lerat-Burant (Friend ) on: Feb 04, 2023

• Sending love and condolences to Sheila and family. Long ago, I received a copy of "Two Pairs of Shoes" by Esther, a gifted teacher. All these years later, I think it's a wonderful story which bridges cultures. With gratitude... - Posted by: Rob Duncan (Friend ) on: Feb 04, 2023

• Sending my sincere condolences to Doris and her family!! - Posted by: Christina Carpenter (An old Colleague of Doris Fontaine!!) on: Feb 04, 2023

• This fierce lady was such a beautiful soul. She gave me some of the best guidance. Condolences and love to the family. - Posted by: Angela Bellegarde (Co-worked) on: Feb 04, 2023

• I too had the great pleasure of working with Esther at SIFC/FNUniv, she was a wonderful leader and taught me so much. Prayers to her family. - Posted by: Carrie LaVallie (Co-worker SIFC/FNUniv) on: Feb 04, 2023

• Esther, was a kind genuine lady whose love shone through her greeting to you. Condolences to children Mark, Sheila, sister and bestie Doris, grandchildren and all the young family. - Posted by: Ida Moore (Friend ) on: Feb 04, 2023

• First of all my deep condolences to Elder Esther Sanderson’s family—especially my colleague Lorena Fontaine, her home community and all her many friends. I remember having a long discussion with Esther about language revitalization needs at a meeting of the Manitoba Aboriginal Language Strategy. Being a retired teacher and speaker of her language with a keen mind and great discernment, she recognized the need to approach language revitalization/reclamation with “two-eyed seeing”. Moving forward, Elder Esther Sanderson’s vision and contributions to the Indigenous language revitalization/reclamation community in Manitoba will be sorely missed. It was an honour to have known her even briefly. - Posted by: Heather Souter (Language Revitalization Community Member) on: Feb 04, 2023

• I had the pleasure of working with Esther at SIFC/FNUniv, she was a great boss and a wonderful lady. My condolences to her family. - Posted by: Jackie Nixon (Former co-worker) on: Feb 03, 2023

• Our condolences from the west Coast to Doris and those many others that worked with and loved Esther over the many years of her service in and for a righteous education for Indigenous people from sea to sea to sea in the Great White North ! Small but mighty was Esther but she left us with big Mocs to fill. Rest in sweet peace Esther with the welcoming ancestor who have smiled on you and encouraged your work! Rich & Mare Atleo in Chilliwack from Ahousaht ❤️🌹 - Posted by: Richard and Marlene Atleo (Friend, colleagues in educational social Justice I. Indigenous education) on: Feb 03, 2023

• Esther and I worked at SIFC (Sask Indian Federated College), later renamed First University of Canada, back in the 1990s to early 2000s. She was Dean of the Northern Campus and was responsible for its growth and expansion with programs that met the needs of northern communities. She was strong and humble, studious and humorous, a dedicated hard worker, and lovingly committed to her family. An absolute joy to work with. My deepest condolences to her loving family. She will be missed by many. winona - Posted by: Winona Wheeler (colleague & friend) on: Feb 03, 2023

• Sincerest sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Brenda Courchene - Greyeyes (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2023

• I met dear friend Esther while working with her sister Doris. I got to know her quite well during our time at the TRC. I found her very kind and giving. She had the most beautiful spirit much like her twin. It was a pleasure knowing and learning from you dear Esther. I will miss your frankness and humor. Journey on my friend and be at peace. Until we meet again I will remember you. Condolences from Tahltan Country. Forever in our hearts - Posted by: Terri Brown (friend) on: Feb 03, 2023

• Esther was a beloved presence in our family for over twenty years and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her siblings and children, and to all her extended family. - Posted by: Alex and Connie Murdoch (Daughter-in-Law Tanya's Parents) on: Feb 03, 2023

• Remembering Esther / Wapkunikanepawit Ikwe ban for her beautiful kind spirit and the love she had for Midewiwin Life and ways of living. It was shocking to hear she left this physical world so soon. Our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and all who loved her. Denima/ Ogimaw Giizhig - Posted by: Denima (Midewiwin Lodge Relative) on: Feb 03, 2023

• Condolences to the family. Esther was a wonderful human being and her memory will be cherished. - Posted by: Paul Chartrand (Friend ) on: Feb 03, 2023