First Nations leaders remembered for their service, dedication

Condolences are being expressed for two prominent First Nations leaders in Saskatchewan.

FSIN Senator Theresa Stevenson and Prince Albert Grand Council Senator Ron Michel died on Monday.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Senator Theresa Stevenson announced that she had passed away,” Dutch Lerat, Vice Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, said in a statement Tuesday.

“She will be missed by the many people who loved her dearly and by the thousands of lives she touched with her charity work and selflessness. She was married to the late Bob Stevenson and she leaves behind a legacy that has left our world a better place.”

Stevenson, 93, created the Chili for Children program in Regina in the 1980s, making sure school children were fed and able to learn.

Hi, the flags have been lowered to honour a fellow Cowessess citizen whom was welcomed to the spirit world.Senator…

Posted by Cowessess First Nation on Tuesday, January 26, 2021

A true leader and community mentor, sorry to hear of the loss of Senator Theresa Stevenson. Thank you for your selfless dedication that made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children in our community! https://t.co/Z5MOBxPVAN

— Chief Evan Bray (@evanjbray) January 27, 2021

Theresa Stevenson’s impact on our community was vast. She was a leader that made a difference in many lives. https://t.co/4YcQhp6epm

— Regina Chamber (@ReginaChamber) January 27, 2021

The FSIN statement credited her with making a positive impact on thousands of lives.

“She was a strong female voice and became a role model to many others by asserting that First Nations women played a lead role in a then, male-dominated time in the 1980’s and onward,” the statement said.

Ron Michel a respected leader

Ron Michel passed away Monday night at the age of 69.

According to a statement from the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Executive, Michel was a leader whom many respected, admired and appreciated, and he will be greatly missed.

“There are some leaders who simply command respect, not only because they display a determined, fierce and confident attitude in their cause, but because they display this vision of determination, fierceness and confidence that is driven by compassion and a deep love for the people. Senator Michel was one of those leaders,” the PAGC statement said.

“He never showed anger in the way that many of us do – he was kind, compassionate, and met challenges with respect. He respected the people he encountered whether for business or pleasure and he respected the role he played as a leader. A lifetime cut too short, we are thankful for his service to our people.”

A photo of Michel upon being elected to his fourth term as Grand Chief. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

In addition to serving 12 years as Grand Chief of the PAGC, Michel also spent over 20 years as Chief of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and two years as band councillor.

Michel had also been involved with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority since the organization’s creation, in 1998, in various capacities as member of the NITHA Board of Chiefs, and most recently in his role as Elder.

“To say he was a big part of our organization would be an understatement.He was a leader who exemplified determination and compassion for his people,” NITHA Executive Director Tara Campbell said. “Senator Michel was well respected and will always be remembered for the words of wisdom he provided.”

When Michel retired in October 2017, his co-workers and counterparts from the Grand Council honoured the man sometimes referred to as “Rambling Ron” with a slideshow featuring some of his work over the years. At the time, the outgoing grand chief said he planned to spend his first year of retirement focusing on his biggest passion — his family.

“Retirement is kind of scary. It scares me after all of these years of working,” Michel said. “I do have some grandchildren who are going to school. I’m gonna keep an eye on them and just rest for a year.”

— With files from paNOW’s Nigel Maxwell