Honourable senators, today I rise in this chamber to pay tribute to Juliette Blackhawk. On February 28, 2020, Juliette “Kaagigekwe” (Angeconeb) Blackhawk was quietly called to the spirit world. Juliette was a member of the Lac Seul First Nation and lived in Sioux Lookout. She followed the traditions of her Anishinaabe way and was of the Caribou (Atik) clan. Her Anishinaabe name was “Kaagigekwe,” which means “Forever in Life Woman.” She was gifted with Anishinaabe traditional knowledge and teachings, which she shared with many whom she met along life’s journey. She was especially fond of offering her knowledge and teachings to children and youth.

Juliette was gentle, kind, wise and affable. Both family and friends alike remember her for her passion for Anishinaabe culture and her eagerness to share her knowledge and experiences with others. I met her when I was invited to the community of Sioux Lookout for the celebrations on Aboriginal Day. Juliette was the Elder for the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre and I was honoured to have participated in the sunrise ceremony led by Juliette.

Last year, she came to visit me here in Ottawa. She was so excited, and we were excited to have her here. She made such an impression on all of us with her gentle spirit and good humour. She had such a twinkle in her eye and I am so grateful that I knew her.

Juliette was a teacher. She taught in many area schools with students who were eager to learn the language and culture of the Anishinaabe people. She was also an elder adviser to many organizations, where she always advocated the seven sacred teachings of the Anishinaabe: Love, respect, humility, courage, honesty, wisdom and truth.

Juliette’s efforts in the classroom were complemented by her extensive community involvement. She loved beading and took pride in making dresses and traditional regalia for dancers. She was a ceremony keeper and conducted sweat lodges and full moon ceremonies. She protected and blessed the water and taught others about its importance to all living matter.

Yes, Juliette was a helper. She was always available and willing to offer her support to those who needed it. She never turned a blind eye to any challenges that others faced. Juliette supported many good causes and was an advocate for social justice. She was a survivor of Canada’s residential schools, having attended two of them.

She championed human rights, combatted racism and strove to improve the recognition of and respect for Indigenous rights within Canadian society. She was a pillar of her community. She was blessed with four children and many grandchildren.

Although she will be dearly missed by many, Juliette’s legacy will live on in the memories and actions as the successive generations of Anishinaabe youth become men and women. Her teachings will join the body of knowledge that in life she laboured to preserve and share with others and that in death will continue to instruct how they, too, may live the good life.

Meegwetch and rest in peace, Kaagigekwe.