NAN Mourns Passing of Cat Lake First Nation Elder Stanley Oombash

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, offered condolences following the passing of Cat Lake First Nation Elder Stanley Oombash this morning.

“It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of our dear friend and respected Elder Stanley Oombash and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Cat Lake community at this difficult time,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Stanley will be fondly remembered for his leadership and compassion and his tremendous efforts to improve the quality of life in his community.”

One of eight brothers, Stanley Oombash experienced the anguish of the Indian Residential School system with the tragic loss of two of his brothers, Charlie and Thomas, known as the Oombash Brothers, who were sent to Pelican Lake Indian Residential School in the 1950s and never made it home.

Overwhelmed by a prescription drug crisis, Cat Lake First Nation declared a state of emergency in 2012 and Oombash was instrumental helping his community cope. He utilized land-based activities to help community members overcome addictions and helped troubled youth by immersing them in traditional activities such as hunting and fishing to reconnect them with their culture.

For more information please contact: Roxann Shapwaykeesic, Communications Officer – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625-4906 or cell (807) 251-6876 or by email rshapwaykeesic@nan.on.ca

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