PAGC prepares to lay former Grand Chief to rest

Recognizing the amount of people who knew and were influenced by Michel, Funeral Home Manager Don Moriarty said they are providing every opportunity for people who want to pay their respects, to do so.

“We are live streaming as well so people will be able to tell when the service is over and they can just wait in their cars and then come in when the first 30 people are out,” he said.

Following the events Friday, a second wake service is scheduled to take place Saturday morning (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), followed by a wake later that day at Pelican Narrows, Michel’s home community. The actual funeral service is scheduled to take place Monday afternoon in Pelican Narrows at 1 p.m.

Moriarty knew Michel for many years and called him a good friend.

“He was interested in the people that elected him and I think over the last 15 years, he would rarely ever miss a funeral service,” he said. “He was a real kind man”

It’s very fitting that a wake service be held at Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre, given the number of times Michel spoke there. (Facebook)

Moriarty said he will miss the numerous “old man” chats he had with Michel over the years, and added he was always impressed with how humble Michel was, despite his level of political fame.

“There was nobody that came in the door that he would not stop to shake hands with and have a chat with,” Moriarty said.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte also re-assured paNOW all COVID protocols would be strictly followed in the coming days — a direct wish by the family.

“Nancy (Michel’s wife) said to us ‘I want all the COVID protocols and restrictions to be followed. I don’t want anybody to get sick because I know Ron wouldn’t want that,'” Hardlotte said.

Hardlotte also explained when Michel’s casket arrives Friday afternoon at Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre, it will be led around the assembly hall. A drum group will accompany the procession. All the chiefs will wear their headdresses.

“You know it’s really hard. If it weren’t for COVID, there would be a big funeral and people would stand around and talk about Ron. We would have the microphone and people would be talking about Ron,” he said.

Left to right: PAGC Vice-Chief Chris Jobb, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, Former PAGC Grand Chief Ron Michel and PAGC Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie. (Facebook)

In addition to the numerous members of the community and surrounding area, Hardlotte said he expects representatives from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and Métis Nation Saskatchewan to attend, as well as members of the legislative assembly and city officials.

“He knew everyone,” Hardlotte commented.

Prior to Michel’s passing Monday night, Hardlotte was able to go to the hospital and say goodbye to his longtime friend and mentor.

“And I told him, ‘Ron, my friend, my uncle, you’re finished your work and you’ve done your work well. We thank you for thar Ron. We thank you,'” he said.

The early private funeral service will be live streamed at 2 p.m. today. To view or bookmark the live steam, click here.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

PAGC prepares to lay former Grand Chief to rest

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