Clarence Tomatuk is being remembered as a tireless advocate for Cree education upon his passing on August 11 in Wemindji. Serving in several roles since the Cree School Board’s creation in 1978, he dedicated over 33 years to advancing iiyiyiu education.
“Clarence played a key role in how the Cree School Board came to be what it is,” said former CSB director general Abraham Jolly. “I think he was one of their first employees – his main motto was ‘students come first.’”
Born an identical twin to the late Robbie Tomatuk in 1949, Tomatuk spent his early years on Old Factory Island. His family moved to Moose Factory, Ontario, shortly before the community was relocated to what became Wemindji in 1959. Jolly recalled that the Tomatuk twins became an inspiration for many by attending college in an era when that seemed scary and unattainable.
Despite the hardships of being separated from his family most of the year at residential school, Tomatuk emerged with a deep appreciation for his Cree heritage and a determination to make a difference in the lives of others. During social service studies at Algonquin College in Ottawa, his passion for Indigenous rights and education blossomed.
His dedication to education and the long distance from his family prevented him from attending his mother’s funeral. From his early days as a CSB junior manager to his eventual position as the Director of Education Services for the Youth Sector, he worked relentlessly to improve opportunities for students.
Tomatuk met the love of his life, Marion Evadney Patricia Atsynia Tomatuk, during a tree planting project. Their connection was instant, and eight months later, they exchanged vows in Wemindji on September 22, 1978. They raised four boys together: Jesse, Preston, Wayne and Albert.
“Clarence was not just a father to us – he was our mentor, our guide and our greatest supporter,” stated his sons in their eulogy. “Clarence made it a priority to instill in us the values of hard work, perseverance and the importance of our Cree traditions. He taught us that to achieve our goals, sacrifices must be made, and he led by example, dedicating his life to education and community service.”
They recalled cherished extended family vacations over the years, including road trips to Niagara Falls and to Walt Disney World in Florida. Tomatuk also ensured his boys participated in traditional rites of passage, such as the snowshoe ceremony.
“His passion for education was evident, and he always encouraged us to pursue our dreams, reminding us of the doors that education can open,” Clarence’s sons shared.
Marion often teased her husband about his unwavering focus on his work, asking him, “Are you married to me or to your job?” There were even times when Tomatuk had to be transported by snowmobile across the Maquatua River to return to the community and sign important documents.
Wally Wapachee met Tomatuk when he applied to Amos Polytechnic in 1980 to attend a Land Surveying Program initiated by the CSB. With Wapachee’s student allowance barely covering his rent, Tomatuk would buy him groceries and drive to Amos to take him out for supper.
“Clarence was a kind, gentle and guiding spirit to every student he had the opportunity to meet,” Wapachee shared. “He was very present during my two-year stint and was thrilled upon my graduation. He always had a laugh. He was 100% there for each and every student. You will always be remembered – thank you Clarence.”
Tomatuk’s former executive secretary Bella Mianscum said he was instrumental in relocating the CSB from Val-d’Or to Mistissini in 1988. He served as the board’s director general for many years until Janie Pachano took over the role. As their families became close, Mianscum described him as “a wonderful family man.”
“He had a soft, gentle nature about him but was also a determined person when things needed to get done,” Mianscum recalled. “He enjoyed our fishing trips up at the camps when the CSB had meetings there. His wife was a wonderful cook and often prepared meals for us when we had luncheon meetings.”
Jolly commended his commitment to aligning the CSB with Cree culture. When leading a Cree language conference in 1997, Tomatuk asserted that the CSB was one of the best examples of integrating an Indigenous language in a school system.
“He always told us concerns for the students had to be the first thought in everything we did,” said CSB chairperson Sarah Pash. “He has left a great legacy in the work of the school board that he shepherded.”
Longtime friend and colleague Gordon Blackned knew Tomatuk from their childhood in Moose Factory and they attended residential school together. Working together at the CSB and more recent meetings at Tomatuk’s hunting camp in Wemindji territory, Blackned said they “always seemed to be on the same wavelength” and never argued.
“Everybody loved him,” said Blackned. “He was very knowledgeable and didn’t shy away from asking about things he didn’t know about. We missed him when he started going back home. I think he wanted to go back to the hunting way of life.”
Soon after returning from the long trip to this summer’s annual memorial service in Moose Factory, Tomatuk experienced a fall and during transportation to the clinic his heart stopped. He was predeceased by his wife Marion and siblings Reggie, Luke, Samuel, David, Josie and Robbie, and survived by his four sons and brother Charlie.
“He taught us the importance of family, tradition and the strength that comes from perseverance,” shared his sons. “He showed us that life is about more than just individual success – it is about lifting one another up and supporting our community.”