The Saskatoon Tribal Council joins with communities throughout Treaty 6 territory and beyond in remembering the life of our dear friend Ray Ahenakew.
“Ray Ahenakew’s vision and leadership helped create opportunity for Indigenous People to achieve great things in education, business and self-government.” STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said.
“We honour Ray for his career spent improving the lives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, and we hold his family in our hearts as they as they mourn the loss of a husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”
A member of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, Mr. Ahenakew was president of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies from 1982 to 1984 and acting president from 2005 to 2007.
He also served as chair of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, the National Labour Training Market Board of Human Resources Development Canada, and was a member of the Peace Hills Trust board for eighteen years, serving one term as chair.
As CEO of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Mr. Ahenakew helped to push forward negotiations for Indigenous self-government, and was a key figure in the purchase of Norsask Forest Products, providing jobs and economic advancement for member Nations.
“Ray will always be remembered for taking away barriers and fighting discrimination against Indigenous people. We owe him our gratitude as we seek to continue his work,” Tribal Chief Arcand said.
A funeral service will be held Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Dakota Dunes Resort on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Church Service and Burial will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. on the Ahtahkakoop First Nation.
