Serpent River youth was a role model
By Leslie Knibbs
SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION–Many years have passed since Chief Seattle graced our Mother Earth with his presence. He was a great and noble Chief of the Duwamish people. This ancient group dates back 10,000 years living in an area of Washington State. Chief Seattle was respected by Indians and non Indians alike. His love for Mother Earth is known worldwide, his writings are still read today more than 100 years since his passing in 1866.
Perhaps his greatest gift is the fondness and wisdom he passed on to all people, especially the youth. He encouraged youth to be steadfast in pursuing their goals; he maintained, and rightly so, if your spirit is strong you will fulfill your purpose…”When you know who you are; when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will; no cold can touch your heart; no deluge can dampen your purpose. You know that you are alive.” Chief Seattle passed over death with a permanence in spirit alive today.
And such was the case with a recently passed 17 year old Ojibway from Serpent River First Nation. It seems fitting that a young Ojibway man who accomplished so much in his short life was honoured with the name Naaytawash meaning “Soaring Eagle.” Indian legends says, “the Eagle represents a state of grace that is reached through inner work, understanding, and passing the initiation tests that result from reclaiming our personal power.” With all of his achievements, anyone can say this young man passed all of the initiation tests, and certainly he had a lot of personal power. His skills on the ice and playing field will attest to this as well as his scores of friends and family.
On Saturday July 30,2016, Connor Reed Pelletier-Commanda (Naaytawash) was a short distance from his home when something awful and unexpected happened; a tragic car accident. Two youth survived, while Connor was rushed to a hospital in Sudbury, Ontario. On August 1,2016, a special prayer made its way to the Creator with the passing of 17-year-old Naaytawash. This fine young man from Serpent River First Nation, who, according to many who knew him, tread gently but with purpose through his short life. With tenacity and grace, he participated in the sports that he loved; Naaytawash excelled in both hockey and baseball with finesse. He was a skilled performer on the ice and playing field… a perfect role model for others, and a delight to watch.
His passing came as a result of a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 17 near Spanish, Ontario. Connor is missed by his team mates, friends and fans, coaches, teachers, and family and many others he touched with his winning ways.
In memory of this fine young man, the LNHL Facebook page spoke of Connor: “Connor was an all-around athlete that always put his best foot forward. He was a rock solid defense for his competitive Rep hockey team, Elliot Lake Wildcats, and most recently his Rep baseball team, The Sudbury Shamrocks. Connor had an infectious smile that would quickly light up a room, and for that we are all so grateful.”
Following the passing of Naaytawash, the Cutler community participated in a period of mourning cancelling and closing some services. The regularly scheduled pow wow is rescheduled to the weekend of September 17. Community strengthening circles were held as were youth sharing and support circles.
Connor leaves behind loving parents Chad Commanda and Miranda Pelletier, sister Autumn Pelletier-Commanda, best friend and brother Keith Pelletier, and many family and friends .
With Connor’s passing, his influence and inspiration is like an unseen stream under the ground making the land greener for those he inspired for years to come, “When you know who you are, you know you are alive.” Naaytawash is missed.