Heartfelt Gchi-Miigwech to all from the Osawamick Family
Submitted by Lisa Osawamick
The Osawamick family wishes to express our profound gratitude to all of the individuals and organizations that shared such open acceptance, appreciation and respect to Ron-bah Yellowman during his life. He passed away suddenly Feb 25, 2017, and his Spirit journeyed toward the Western doorway.
Ron-bah, who was a remarkable Oshkaabewis, shared many teachings with kindness. He did his best to lead by example and he helped many people that came into his life. In the last 13 years he and his wife operated the tourism business of Zaawmiknaang-outdoor eatery, craft shop and tipi accommodations. He attended many pow wows, and conferences adopting families’ throughout his travels as well as enjoyed his many trips to New Mexico to visit his family. Ron-bah was an honorary band member of the Aamjiwnaang Anishinaabe Community and was recognized by the Graves and Repatriation Committee with the Bluewater Bridge Authority in Sarnia. He was the Cultural Coordinator for Anishinaabemowin Teg from 2011-2016 and cared for the Ateg Eagle Staff since 2010.
Our family says miigwech to the communities of Wikwemikong, Aamjiwnaang, Cambrian College, Kumik Lodge in Hull-Quebec, for having their flags at half-mast in honour of his life. We also thank all those that had ceremonies during the four days of his passing. We are in gratitude to the Midewiwin people, Raindance people, North American Church, Gordon Wendabence, our friend Marilyn Nadjiwan Rasi who stayed by Martina’s side during the 14 days. We are grateful to Martina’s children: Aileen, Rob, Lisa and Ozzie who provided love and support, as well as the support from Ron-bah’s children.
To all those that helped financially, and all those that sent thoughts and prayers with cards, emails and Facebook messages to help Martina get through this, Miigwech!!
To the Firekeepers: Rob Fox, Warren Sturgeon and Edwaa George, as well as Steward Assinewe for the donation of wood; Miigwech!!
Heartfelt thanks to: Abor-Digital, Annette Peltier for all the Obituary cards, Wiky Hock shop & the Other Half Cafe for all the Semaa (tobacco) they donated, Rabbit Island Community Centre for the space provided for the wakes, to all the people that donated food- Wikwemikong Lands Dept. for all the fish, and all the people that helped out through-out the week in Wikwemikong and in Aamjiwnaang. We say Gchi Miigwech!!
We have been truly uplifted by the generosity and kindness from everyone who came together at this time. Ron-bah lived a good life, he followed the Mino Biimaadiziwin.