Winter flu season is causing all kinds of sickness, notably for our senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems. This past couple of weeks have been hard as two of my favourite Elders, John Mercier of Timmins and Ignace Koostachin from my home community of Attawapiskat, passed away. They will always have a place in my heart and memories, and they were well-respected far and wide.
John started out in a vibrant French-Canadian family and excelled in hockey at a young age. Although he had his aim on the NHL he got sidetracked when he met his wild Irish rose, Celia Dunn from Iroquois Falls. The two were literally knocked off their feet as they shone on every dance floor in the North with their jitterbug skills. Soon they were married, John attained training and work as an electrician and the dynamic duo started a family.
All the time John kept playing hockey throughout the North in just about every arena there was during the 1950s, 60s, 70s and even into the 1980s. He loved the sport so much he became a referee and had exciting stories of dealing with players and fans when the game was rough and tough.
John was always there for his family and his friends. He and Celia raised six capable and industrious children – Marcia, Jamie, Betty Anne, Patricia, Pam and Chip (Philip). The boys of course all played hockey and grew up around the old Barn arena in South Porcupine. They all had children and at this point John was a great-grandfather.
John was very community minded. He was part of the Whitney volunteer fire department for 40 years and was Fire Chief at one point. John was so well-known all over the North through his hockey and firefighter events and competitions. His son Jamie ended up with a career as a firefighter in Timmins and just recently retired.
Ignace was larger than life to me when I was a boy. He was a great hunter, trapper, fisher and traditional person in our community. He married my cousin Celine, the daughter of my uncle George Kataquapit. They were much older than us and we younger relatives looked up to Celine and Ignace as older relatives who watched out for us. He was brilliant and intelligent in so many ways. Although he predominantly spoke Cree, he was more than capable of navigating the non-Native world.
Ignace worked for the Attawapiskat First Nation office for many years, and he was always there to offer advice when it was needed. He represented our community perfectly as he was able to speak and connect with our Elders who had only known life on the land. At the same time, he understood the new world that was affecting our people. He passed down much knowledge and experience to his children Travis, Lorraine, Ignace Jr., Diane and George, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ignace also connected to people with his humour. Many in my family members called him Mr. Miyagi, as he looked like the actor Pat Morita from The Karate Kid. To younger people he was a wonderful and quiet Elder, and he used the silly identity of a karate master to make people laugh. Humour was a big part of his life, and he shared so many stories he had gathered over the years with youth and Elders.
These two great families were great comforts to my family and I when my mother Susan Kataquapit passed away in 2016. Celine and Ignace and the relations from their generation were central to planning our mother’s funeral. Even as adults, we all enjoyed knowing that they still watched over us during our time of need.
When I returned from that funeral to travel back to Kirkland Lake, I was invited to visit my partner Mike’s uncle Johnny Mercier at their family cottage at McInnis Lake. The healing I found surrounded by the Merciers that day was amazing.
I will never forget these two amazing men I met on my journey. The thing I admire so much about them is the fact that they met every new day with a happy and enthusiastic view. They worked hard to support their family and friends. I see them as great role models and in remembering them I will try to do better.