Elder Gordon Waindubence Passes

 

The Anishinabek Nation and the Métis Nation of Ontario renew traditional ties at special pipe ceremony at Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation in 2005. Left to right: John Beaucage, Anishnabek Nation Grand Council Chief at the time; Elder Gordon Waindubence; and founding MNO President Tony Belcourt.

It is with great sadness that the Métis Nation of Ontario heard of the loss of Getzit Mishomis Gordon Waindubence (Shiikenh).

The deeply respected leader and former Anishinabek Nation Head Elder passed at his home in Sheguiandah First Nation on November 24, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.

Elder Gordon Waindubence was a friend and mentor to many, and throughout his life, established strong and close relationships across Turtle Island and within the MNO community.

“He was a man I greatly respected and looked up to,” expressed founding MNO President Tony Belcourt in a recent Facebook post. “In the early 2000’s, as we were working towards a Nation-to-Nation ceremony between the Métis Nation and the Anishinabek Nation, he advised us on how to do this in a traditional way.”

Waindubence was passionate about nation-building and traditional governance. He was deeply proud of his heritage and culture, traveled far and wide to add to his knowledge and attended several MNO Assemblies.

Waindubence was a friend to all who knew him and touched many lives. His work within the community often emphasised the importance of relationships – whether they were personal, nation-to-nation, or with the earth.

His loss is deeply felt.