Grand Chief Solomon Expresses His Deepest Sympathies

Press Release

(March3, 2016, Moose Factory, ON) On behalf of the Omushkegowuk, Council of Chiefs, and staff, Grand Chief Jonathon Solomon offers his deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Dr. John Long, whose journey on earth ended peacefully on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, in North Bay, with his family and friends by his side.

As an educator, researcher, professor, author, and activist with a strong sense of justice, Dr. Long spent a good part of his life living with the people of the James Bay area. In collaboration with the local Education Directors and Chiefs, he was instrumental in establishing Omushkego Education and helping and advising First Nations establishing local education authorities and he worked with many educators to provide the best possible opportunities for children in the far north. When John came north to Moose Factory years ago to pursue his teaching career, little did he know that he would fall in love with the Omushkego Ininiwuk.

Dr. Long also devoted a good part of his life researching the underlying truth of the James Bay Treaty. He interviewed hundreds of elders and citizens, read all the treaties made in Canada, and wrote many academic papers about the James Bay Treaty. After decades of research on the James Bay Treaty, he completed the writing “Treaty No. 9: Making the Agreement to Share the Land in Far Northern Ontario in 1905”. This book provides details and reveals the truth on how the James Bay Treaty was made. This incredible manuscript will play an important part in building a better future for Ontario and Canada. And more importantly, improving the quality of life for the Indigenous People of Treaty 9. Dr. John Long believed that the Treaty is the foundation of a healthy Nation.

“John has lived with us for so many years, he was a big part of our lives and families, he had so many friends in all our communities, he learned to speak and understand some of our Cree language, he was practically a member of the Mushkegowuk Nation” says Deputy Grand Chief

Rebecca Friday. Former Chief Ignace Gull says, I knew John in many good ways working with Attawapiskat.

“I’m so glad I had the opportunity to speak with John recently… he encouraged us to keep doing what we are doing with the Real Treaty Agreement. He is a close special friend to many of us, he has done so much for us, his extensive work on our Treaty and Education continues to be very important, empowering and useful today and into the future. We will miss him dearly but we will never forget him…we owe his family so much for allowing John to live with us, he is a member of our family and Nation and we know that he is happy for the things he has done for us….we will miss him, our Nation is mourning the departure of our special friend, may our Creator forever be with you John”, says Grand Chief Jonathon Solomon.

For further enquiries contact Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon: 705-363-7122 (cell)

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