Former Chief of Magnetawan First Nation, Elder Wilmer Noganosh, passes into the Spirit World
UOI OFFICES (Nipissing First Nation) July 27, 2016—It is with a heavy heart that Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee announces the passing of a great friend, and true Anishinabek Warrior, the former Chief of Magnetawan First Nation, Elder Wilmer Noganosh, at the age of 84.
“I’ve known Wilmer since 1975. He used to work for the Union of Ontario Indians in Treaty Research. He assisted a lot of First Nations with their land claims,” Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee stated as he began recounting the extensive work that Elder Noganosh accomplished in the various positions and roles he held within the Anishinabek Nation.
“He went back and resettled Magnetawan First Nation and became the first Chief. When he started, there were only 12 people in the community, and now the number has grown tenfold. While Wilmer was there, he was in leadership for many years. After no longer holding the position as Chief, a position for the Elder for the Huron Treaty Region became available, and he was the natural choice for the region having worked with the treaty issues for most of his life,” added Madahbee.
Elder Noganosh overcame the adversity of attending Residential School by later excelling against all odds by becoming a lead Politician, Cultural and Spiritual Leader, Education Advocate, and life-long learner receiving his BA in Native Studies from Laurentian University at the youthful age of 66.
Elder Noganosh was a very active and productive member of the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) Elders Council and held a seat on the UOI Leadership Council as a Lake Huron Elder Representative.
Elder Noganosh always stressed the importance of respecting mother earth and the gifts she provides. He also acknowledged the children and youth who were, as he often referred to, as our Nation’s future and hope.
When recently asked for a suitable name for the UOI Elders Council he said “we should be called the “Golden Eagle Council” because this bird flies the highest and sees the farthest,” in other words, Elder Noganosh had a vision for our Elders and their importance to teach their life-long lessons, and to guide our people to strengthen our Nation.
In 2012, Elder Wilmer Noganosh, received a Lifetime Achievement award for his political leadership, dedication, and work within his community and the Nation.
In recent years, Elder Noganosh struggled with his health, but made it a priority to attend meetings and Assemblies despite undergoing difficult medical treatments.
“He was a strong, strong believer in our rights as First Nations. I went to visit him just before Grand Council, and despite how unwell he was, he was determined to get there. That was a testament to his commitment and passion to our Nation. I thank him for his many years of service and dedication to the Anishinabek people and Nation,” stated Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.
He will be remembered most for his strength and determination through all of life’s adversities; two strong qualities that every great leader, like Elder Noganosh, exudes.
On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, Leadership, and the Elders’ Council, we send our deepest condolences to the Noganosh Family and to the Magnetawan community.
Chi-Miigwetch to you, Elder Wilmer Noganosh, for your tireless commitment and hard work. We wish you well on your spirit journey where we know you will “fly the highest.” You leave a great legacy behind to lead us into the future as a strong and united Anishinabek Nation, and it was our honor in knowing you. Baa Maa Pii Minwah.