Anishinabek Nation mourns the loss of respected colleague and friend

It is with great sadness that the Anishinabek Nation shares the passing of a respected and dear colleague, and friend, Tony Jocko, Federal Policy Analyst for the Anishinabek Nation Health Department.

Tony passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 3, 2021, after a tragic incident on Lake Huron near Spring Bay.

Tony leaves behind his wife Karen, two children and grandchildren to whom we extend our sincerest condolences.

Tony was admired by all those who worked with him. He had a wonderful sense of humour, and he was passionate about helping others. Tony once said that working in the health field is a calling and he answered it by starting his career as a paramedic. He joined the Anishinabek Nation in 2006, where he provided 15 years of exceptional advocacy work and service and received many accolades over the years – a testament to his vocation of serving others. Tony made many contributions with Cancer Care Ontario, worked to ensure continued access to dental and vision care, and contributed to our work in addictions. Without hesitation, he quickly stepped in when the COVID-19 pandemic required additional time, advocacy, support and supplies in our communities. He was an important contributor to our Pandemic Response Team and our Internal Coordination Committee that led our organizational response to this pandemic.

For certain, his passing will leave a large void in our Anishinabek Nation Family.

Out of respect for staff, the Anishinabek Nation closed for the remainder of Monday, July 5, 2021, and have also lowered our flag at the Head Office. The Anishinabek Nation Health Department will be rescheduling and adjusting their schedules for work that was planned this week.

Please keep Tony’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Miigwech.