It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Windego Sr.
Jim was a respected elder of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, where he lived on his own until his passing.
He was from the Biizhiw clan and was born to Bobby Adams Sr. and Marguerite Shoniawabik. He was raised by his grandfather, whom he loved and respected so much that he took his last name as his own.
He loved his family, culture, language, and to laugh. He practised traditional medicine and travelled the country attending pow-wows, conducting teachings, singing, and ceremonies.
Born and raised on Rainy Lake, Jim spent his youth guiding and logging, and was chief of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation for 13 years.
Being a leader and visionary, he assisted in the creation of many of the aboriginal organizations in Treaty #3. He was a founding father of Nanicost Ltd., the United Native Friendship Centre, and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services.
He also served as a spiritual advisor for Shooiyaa Wa-Bitoong and many other native organizations across the country.
Jim loved his family, and was a hard worker and provider who never let his family want for anything.
Jim and Nina Windego were united in marriage on July 25, 1956.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Nina Gertrude Windego; sisters, Katherine Buckshot and Rosemary Perrault; brother, Mike Windego; grandson, Clayton Windego Jr.; daughters-in-law, Charlene Windego, Deanne Rae, and Linda Shebagegit; and infant son, Kevin Jonathon Shebagegit.
Jim is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Brown of Manitou Rapids First Nation; and 12 children, Charles Windego, Beatrice Angeconeb, and Clayton Windego (Jackie), all of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Dennis Windego (Ellen) of Thunder Bay, Gail Windego of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Jim Windego Jr. (Lillian) of Fort Frances, Louann Windego of Fort Frances, Garry Windego (Kathy) of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Diane Windego of Kenora, Verna Windego and William Windego (Florence), all of Fort Frances, and Brad Windego (Sherrise) of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation.
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Charity, Angela, Joseph, Kristen, Krystal, Charles Jr., Emily, Christian, Lynn Marie, Jeremiah, Jade, Sarah, Tim, Tara, Tyler, Rocky, Chantelle, Taylor, Alyssa, Kelsey, Vincent, Peter, Jamie, Johnathan, Landyn, Allison, Nolan, Ryan, Milton, Dante, Ethan, Laura, Denise, Shayla, Christopher, Melissa, Brandon, Kayla, Shana, and Savannah; and 51 great-grandchildren.
He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A wake will be held on the evening of Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation Community Hall.
A traditional burial will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015 in the morning at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation Hall, with burial to follow at the family plot. Elder Ralph Johnson will officiate.
The pallbearers will be Chuck Windego, Tim Windego, Jamie Gesic, Perry Bebaamaash, Jade Windego, Nolan Windego, Christopher Anderson, and Tyler Windego.
The honorary pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren.
If family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at wwwgreenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
