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Fort Severn First Nation
General Delivery
Fort Severn, Ontario
P0V 1W0

** Press Release **

May 20, 2003

It’s Official!! Nine intrepid youth from this small remote First Nation on the shores of Hudson Bay are off to challenge Canada and the world in a 21 km (13.1 m) Half Marathon. It will be the first chance for these young people to achieve their dream of competing in a national level competition, the Manitoba Marathon, on Sunday, June 15, 2003.

Rayanne Chapman (13), Hillary Gray (13), Nathan Howson (14), Stacey Howson (13), Bernadette Kabestra (13), Courtney Kakekaspan (12), Kary Kakepetum (13), Isabel Miles (15), and April Thomas (13) will be part of a large group of competitors (more than 2500 for the Half Marathon in 2002) in the 25^th anniversary running of the event (www.manitobamarathon.mb.ca/). Several adults have worked with the youth since they began their regular training last fall, but the will to succeed is theirs alone.

There are many challenges facing youth growing up in a small remote community. In addition to the isolation, young people do not have the same educational and recreational opportunities enjoyed by other youth in Canada. Those opportunities can make a huge difference, in personal development terms, when it comes to the ability to set personal goals and live a satisfying and fulfilling life. And, young people need role models, and they need to be able to test themselves against others, both inside and outside their community. These nine youth are already role models to their peers and younger children in their community.

Fort Severn (www.fortsevernfirstnation.com) is inviting others to help support these youth and give them the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Donations to the Fort Severn Team will be recognized in Fort Severn through radio announcements and on community notices concerning the youth competing in Winnipeg. Donations may be made payable to and sent to: Fort Severn First Nation, General Delivery, Fort Severn, Ontario, P0V 1W0.

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For more information, contact Rowena House @ 807.478.2517

Check out the story published in Friday, May 23 issue of Thunder Bay's Chronicle-Journal

Obituary of Joseph Jonas Quequish

Joseph Jonas Quequish was born according to the Band List on November 16, 1919.  He passed away at his home on the morning of May 17, 2003, after a long battle with cancer.  

Jonas was a trapper, hunter, and fisherman.  He truly loved his land.  He always told his children " Don't forsake your home, it is a gift from the Creator for your benefit.  Learn to value and treasure what has been given to you".  He reluctantly re-located from his ancestoral home at North Caribou Lake, to the community of Weagamow Lake in the early 1960's so that his children could go to school, and retain their treaty status.

Jonas as he was known was a leader in his home community of North Caribou Lake.  He served on the Band Council for 35 years as a councillor, and later on he served as a Band Constable.  He served his people unconditionally on the belief that he was helping to make this community a better place to live.

Jonas was predeceased by his wife Mamie in 1994, and some children that were buried at North Caribou Lake.  He leaves behind to mourn three daughters, Annie (Mike) Williams, Eva (Lou) Marano, and Margaret (George) Benson.  He also leaves to mourn a son Maio (Caroline) Quequish, and a stepson Job (Ina) Apetawakeesic.  He also leaves 27 Grandchildren, numerous Great Grandchildren, as well as a nephew Cameron Quequish, and many other dear freinds and relatives in Weagamow.

Jonas chose to remain in the community when asked if he wished to go out to the hospital.  He loved his children and grandchildren to the very end.  He held each of us in his hands, and pointed towards heaven, as if to tell us that's where he was going.  His favorite song "Jesus Loves Me" was sung for him in his final hours.

May he rest in Peace and live in the House of the Lord.

(written by Saul Williams)

Sioux Lookout, Ontario
May 16, 2003