Longtime PAGC Grand Chief passes away

“There are some leaders who simply command respect, not only because they display a determined, fierce and confident attitude in their cause, but because they display this vision of determination, fierceness and confidence that is driven by compassion and a deep love for the people. Senator Michel was one of those leaders,” the PAGC statement said.

A photo taken of Ron Michel in 2017. (submitted photo/PAGC)

The statement from PAGC said Michel loved the people and took pride in the many roles he held during his lifetime as a leader.

“He never showed anger in the way that many of us do – he was kind, compassionate, and met challenges with respect. He respected the people he encountered whether for business or pleasure and he respected the role he played as a leader. A lifetime cut too short, we are thankful for his service to our people,” the statement said.

“When he was speaking, people were listening” _{– Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper}

The statement concluded by offering heartfelt condolences to Michel’s family, including his wife Nancy of 50 years.

“She and their family knew Ron was a special man and a leader whom many respected and appreciated. He loved his family, as a son, a husband, a Moshum, an Uncle and in all facets of being part of a family and extended family,” the PAGC said. Speaking with paNOW, PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, recalled how when he was a Vice-Chief, Michel took him under his wing and taught him how the PAGC organization worked, and how to handle himself at both provincial and federal meetings.

“I owe so much and I am so grateful for the man,” he said.

Michel was a residential school survivor from Pelican Narrows, and Hardlotte explained his friend never forgot where he came from – both as a trapper and as a commercial fisherman with his father and uncle. Hardlotte added he will never forget the advice he once received from Michel.

“Most of all he told me care for the people. It’s about the grassroots people,” he said

Citing the numerous projects Michel was involved in including the Victoria Hospital revitalization, Hardlotte explained Michel cared a lot about ensuring his people had access to good medical care. Hardlotte added his friend was also very passionate about economic development and treaty land entitlement.

“He knew what the treaties said, what the script said, and that is what he went by in his business,” Hardlotte said.

Discussing the legacy Michel leaves behind, Hardlotte explained there’s no doubt Michel will be truly missed by all the northern people he served.

“He won’t be forgotten. We are gonna carry on his legacy through the projects we are doing,” he said. “He will be there in spirit with us”

Respect from his colleagues

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) Chief Peter Beatty described Michel as a kind man, who was well known across all levels of governments, including the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

“There are people who can relate to just about anybody and he was that type of person,” Beatty said, adding Michel also had a great ability to read someone’s character just by meeting them.

Beatty described Michel as as visionary, whose legacy will live on through the numerous projects he was involved in like Prince Albert’s hospital upgrade as well as a new emergency medical centre clinic, planned for the area near the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse.

“He will be very sorely missed,” Beatty said.

On behalf of the FSIN Executive, Senate, Women’s Commission, Elders, staff and management, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron also issued a statement, extending the FSIN’s sincere condolences to the family and friends of Senator Ron Michel.

“He was instrumental and played an influential role in my life,” Cameron said. “I am thankful for the many conversations we had and all of the time that I was lucky enough to spend with him, learning from him throughout my career. He was loved and admired by many and he will be missed. He was a great leader who was kind, compassionate and had a strong, well-respected voice. He worked hard for his people. We will truly miss him.”

A passionate leader

Michel was passionate about helping youth in the communities, and in 2014, when he was sworn in for his fourth term, he discussed the importance of providing supports.

“First Nation issues is our youth,” Michel said. “You know, the suicides in our communities, alcohol and drugs, gangs and of course the housing infrastructure and all of that, but mostly the education that we’re battling right now with the government [that] is trying to take over our education.”

A photo of Michel upon being elected to his fourth term as Grand Chief. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

Even when his political year ended in 2017, Michel continued to contribute to the PAGC by working and consulting with different communities down the road. One of the many initiatives he helped launch was Michel’s Medical Transport, a service that provides transportation to people who require treatment in Saskatoon, who would be unable to make their appointment, or were often left waiting for service.

Another initiative close to Michel’s heart was improving services at Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital. He was present when the hospital foundation formally announced it reached a $2.2 million goal for a new neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).

A photo taken of Ron Michel in 2017, outside the PAGC healing lodge. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

Senator Michel had also been involved with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority since the organizations creation, in 1998, in various capacities as member of the NITHA Board of Chiefs, and most recently in his role as Elder.

“To say he was a big part of our organization would be an understatement. He was a leader who exemplified determination and compassion for his people,” NITHA Executive Director Tara Campbell said. “Senator Michel was well respected and will always be remembered for the words of wisdom he provided.”

When Michel retired in October 2017, his co-workers and counterparts from the Grand Council honoured the man sometimes referred to as “Rambling Ron” with a slideshow featuring some of his work over the years. At the time, the outgoing grand chief said he planned to spend his first year of retirement focusing on his biggest passion — his family.

“Retirement is kind of scary. It scares me after all of these years of working,” Michel said. “I do have some grandchildren who are going to school. I’m gonna keep an eye on them and just rest for a year.”

Respect from the community

Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper was chief of police for the Prince Albert Police Service, during Michel’s term. Cooper told paNOW Michel possessed a unique leadership style.

“He had this quiet, very personal way of leading. He spoke to you as an individual and broke down a lot of barriers that way,” he said. “When he was speaking, people were listening.”

During his time with the Prince Albert Police Service, Cooper had many interactions with Michel, whether it was a friendly chat or to talk about policing initiatives.

“He had a great sense of humour and he was alway having fun but he was about relationships and building relationships with people and for me it was special,” Cooper said. He added he will always cherish that Michel treated him as a peer, and someone that could work with him to help make things better for the community.

Prince Albert’s current Chief of Police, Jon Bergen, has also offered his condolences to Michel’s family.

“On behalf of the Prince Albert Police Service, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Senator Ron Michel. He served his community with pride and respect and will be dearly missed. I am certain the impact of his work will continue to inspire many for generations to come,” he said.

Mayor Greg Dionne told paNOW he felt very blessed to have known and worked with Michel. Much like Cooper, Dionne said he always appreciated the way Michel treated him as a peer. Dionne added he also respected Michel’s dedication to making sure Treaty rights were respected.

“He was a person you could like but at the same time if you crossed the line, he was the first one there to correct you,” he said. “He certainly left a legacy and a mark in our community.”

Sheryl Kimbley, chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, revealed to paNOW she consulted with Michel, when initially asked to be on the board.

“He said I had to. It was time for our women,” she said.

John McDonald, senator of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Council Committee, posted an emotional message on Facebook, expressing his grief after hearing of Michel’s passing.

“I was lucky enough to know and work with him for many years, and he was a warm, happy man, who enjoyed life and was quick with a smile. Tobacco down for his family. He is now one of the Ancestors,” McDonald wrote.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Longtime PAGC Grand Chief passes away

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