ReveredElderpassesawayinSaultSte.Marie

ByChelseaPapineau

Friendsandfamilyaremourningthelossof aprominentFirstNationmanandrevered ElderfromSaultSte.Mariewhosurvived Canada's residential school system and became aninstrumentalpartofgettingafederalgovernmentapology.

Arnold Michael ‘Mike’ Frederick Cachagee, 83, passed away peacefully Saturday atSaultAreaHospital.

"HewasasurvivoroftheIndianresidentialschoolsystemwhichhewastakenawayatan early age of four and stayed in the residential schoolsystem‘tilhewas16,”hisobituarysaid.

“He became a certified automobile mechanic for 30 + years and then decided to go back to university to pursue his education at AlgomaShingwaulkUniversity.”

During the 12 years he spent in the system,heattendedSt.John'sIndianResidential School in Chapleau, Bishop Horden Indian Residential School in Moose Factory and Shingwauk Indian Residential School in Sault Ste.Marie.

He graduated with an honours degree in politicalscienceattheageof55andbecamethe first Indian residential school survivor to graduate from Algoma ShingwaulkUniversity.

"Arnold (Mike) had many life accomplishments which impacted thousands of people across this country," his obituary said.

Heworkedforthe

Indigenousuniversityafter graduating before becoming the dean of native studies at Confederation CollegeinThunderBay.

The flags in front of Shingwauk Hall have been lowered in his honour, Algoma University said in a social mediapost.

Cachagee worked asapoliticaladvisertothe Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and later became chief of his First Nation, ChapleauCree.

"Michael was a trailblazer through his advocacy for residential school survivors and provided tremendous support to help them through their trauma. He was adamant that the history of the Indian Residential School system mustneverbeforgottenandhefoughtagainstthe destruction of the records documenting the experiences of more than 38,000 survivors," NAN Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskumsaidinanewsreleaseonbehalf oftheexecutivecouncil.

"Michael’s life of leadership includes servingaschiefoftheFoxLakecommunityand lead negotiator in the treaty land entitlement claims process. He was a member of NAN’s governanceandeducationnegotiatingteam,our representative in tri-lateral treaty discussion forums, and also served as political advisor to

pastgrandchiefs."

Through his work with Children of Shingwauk, he became a strong advocate for other survivors and formed the Ontario Indian ResidentialSchoolSurvivorsSociety.

"His vision was clear, he wanted the survivors to take action, be heard, and be on the road to Truth & Reconciliation," Cachagee's obituarysaid.

"He was a hockey coach, guitarist, an artist, loved his country music, loved stock car racing,darngoodhockeyplayer,amentor,abig brother, he taught us how to skate, ride bikes, throw a baseball, but most all he was a good father.Hewasourhero."

A celebration of life is being held Wednesday from 12:30-4 p.m. at the Garden RiverFirstNationcommunityhall.