Memories & Celebrations: Obituary

Garnet Angeconeb

October 12, 1955 - July 25, 2024

Sioux Lookout, Ontario

Garnet Angeconeb “Shaybagosh” – Anishnaabe of the Caribou clan, husband, father, grand-father, journalist, community leader, bridge-builder, educator, truth-teller – passed away at age 68, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Garnet’s early life was spent on the trapline on Lac Seul (Obishikokaang) territory with his family. His parents, David and Mary Angeconeb, raised their six children on the land, surrounded by grandparents (Kokum and Shoomis) and many other relatives.

Throughout his life Garnet drew solace from memories of those early days: His mother’s duck soup (paquay shekan naboo), the first time he caught a rabbit (wabooz), fishing in the boats they called putt putts, harvesting berries and wild rice (manoomin), the call of the crow in springtime (aandeg).

When he was seven years old, Garnet was sent to nearby Pelican residential school, as were four of his siblings. This had a major impact on his life, due to both separation from his family and abuse suffered at the school.

Garnet went to high school in Sioux Lookout, boarding with local families. He completed a diploma in Journalism at the University of Western Ontario, and worked for many years in journalism including at CBC radio in Thunder Bay. He was the Editor of Wawatay Native Communications Society, and eventually became the Executive Director. While at Wawatay, Garnet helped set up radio stations in northern First Nations that are vital parts of those communities to this day.

In 1978, Garnet was at a dance in Red Lake when he spotted a young teacher, Margaret Susla, who was teaching in Sandy Lake. They danced, fell in love, and got married, and soon after that, Matthew and Teresa came along.

Garnet was a born leader with a vision of a stronger Canada that he pursued through professional and personal connections, always motivated by mutual understanding and cooperation. He was the first indigenous town councillor in Sioux Lookout, Executive Director of the Independent First Nations Alliance, and a founding member of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee.

But Garnet’s true calling was speaking truth to power – denouncing racism and calling for social justice. He was one of the earliest voices to reveal the experiences of residential school survivors in the early 90’s, courageously disclosing the scope of his personal story as well as the institutional abuse inflicted at the schools. He did interviews, mailed letters, spoke at conferences, produced a website, wrote a book, emailed more letters, and pressured politicians. Many Canadians are aware today about the shared history of the IRS experience thanks to Garnet Angeconeb.

Garnet’s efforts contributed to a major shift in Canada’s relationship with Indigenous people, such as the 2008 apology by a prime minister in the House of Commons, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

Garnet achieved all of this while suffering from the debilitating effects of Kennedy’s disease – a degenerative condition that takes away a person’s neurological abilities. AsGarnet often said, “the mind is willing, but the body is not.”

Garnet had an army of friends and supporters; people were drawn to him. He loved a good joke, he had an incredible memory for places and events, and he remembered details about friends’ families from decades past. He also brought diverse groups of people together – bridge-building to the end.

Garnet was recognized for his efforts locally and nationally. His friends and colleagues held a Garnet Angeconeb Gala to thank him for a lifetime of contributions to the town of Sioux Lookout. He was a recipient of both the Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, as well as being made a Member of the Order of Canada.

Garnet often said he wanted to “plant the seeds of hope” for his grandchildren, so they would grow up in a better world. He loved watching them – so confident and bright and capable – knowing the knowledge and strength of his ancestors carry on in them. His greatest reward was the joy they brought him every day, with the promise of hope of a peaceful future.

Garnet was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Ningewance) and David Angeconeb, his sister Bertha, his brother Harry, his sister-in-law Sheila, and his father-in-law Mike Susla.

Garnet leaves to mourn his wife Margaret; his children, Matthew (Amanda) and Teresa (Brad); and his grandchildren Michaela, Izzy, North, River, Nellie, Malakai, and Garnet.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law Virginia Susla, sister-in-law Carol, and siblings Ron (Judy), Florence Sanderson (Wesley); Gord; and Ricky (Lana). He also leaves many cherished nephews, nieces, and their children, as well as friends and supporters all across Canada.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Meno Ya Win Health Centre MRI fund by  visiting foundation.slmhc.on.ca and selecting MRI.