The Cree word for autumn is Ta-kwa-gun. I don’t know what it is about Ta-kwa-gun, but it seems as I get older every year at the start of fall, I am saddened to hear that some wonderful people I know have departed and others are dealing with illness.
I was upset about the passing of Lily Batise, the spouse of my friend Jason Batise. I recall meeting her 20 years ago and my partner Mike and I were impressed with what a beautiful, open and kind person she was. She was confident and so bright. She was the type of person who lit up a room and made people feel good about themselves.
Lily excelled at everything she did, and she connected to so many people over the years. I know that she made a huge difference for many Indigenous people, and she will be missed very much by Jason and their children Bazil, Carson, Brady and the Rice and Batise families.
Recently I lost my aunt Theresa Kataquapit. She was a rock in my family and the wife of the late Leo Kataquapit. Her family and friends will feel a huge loss with the passing of this well-known Attawapiskat Elder. Her family also lost Theresa’s son-in-law, Joseph Sutherland, this past summer. Joseph was one of the great hunters and traditional people in our community.
I am hoping and praying that many of my good friends who are sick and struggling with disease find the care and healing they need to become healthy again. My partner, who has a lung condition, reminds me every day of how important it is to pause to sense time slipping though our hands and realize how precious life is. It all makes me feel very helpless. But the realization that I have had people in my life who were kind to me, gave me some of their time, loved me and lifted me up gives me a feeling of hope and gratitude no matter what comes my way.
Despite all this sad news, I am relieved at some happy things that are happening for many people I know. Although the Batise family is dealing with the loss of Lily I know that they still managed to celebrate the 67th wedding anniversary of Jason’s parents Barney and Doreen Batise. This dynamic duo has contributed so much to Indigenous people over the years and provided us with a family of amazing leaders and organizers who have made life better for their communities and far beyond.
Celebratory anniversaries were also held this past summer for my sister Janie and her husband Brian who were honoured for 33 years of marriage. As well, my sister Jackie and her husband Clarence celebrated 37 years of marriage. They have achieved much for their families and the community of Attawapiskat. My brother Lawrence and his wife Christine celebrated a long and successful marriage with a dedication to making life better for people up the James Bay coast. My dad Marius and my mom Susan would be so proud of all the good work and achievements my siblings have managed over the years.
I am reminded that even with the loss of those so dear to us we have much thanks to give them every day in the memory of the love, time and effort they made to provide a better life for us.
It is difficult to come to terms with death and serious illness. We all find different ways to cope with the fear and pain these big issues present. I recall my parents when they were dealing with death and sickness. I remember that after grieving and dealing with sad news they quickly gathered themselves and put one foot in front of the other to make sure that their efforts would help, nurture and guide their family and friends while their hearts were still beating.
We must remember that those who have passed and those who are sick don’t want us to be sad. Instead, they want us to get up in the morning and be thankful for the life and good health we have. We must realize that we need to put our time to good use and do as much as we can make the world a better place. They are rooting for us.