The passing of our friend and co-worker, Les Meekis - his work and vision lives on
Today, Nishnawbe Aski Nation lost a friend and warrior with the passing of Les Meekis.
Les Meekis was a friend to everyone he met. He was a good man who loved to joke and laugh with everyone, strangers and friends alike. He could tell a good story, sharing his experience and knowledge with others in such a way that captured everyone's attention. He would always stop whatever he was doing to listen to what others were saying.
He was the kind of man a friend or stranger could count on in a pinch. He had character and a sense of humour even when it was difficult to exhibit either.
He was a community member who never forgot his roots and never forgot who he was serving. He believed in all the people across the north, never doubting the strength and wisdom of the elders and their relationship to the land. He choose to work for his people and to be the kind of leader and worker that others respected. He knew how to get things done and why they needed to get done.
Brian Beaton put it best when he described him, “as a good friend to all.” Les passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer.
Les achieved much during his time with Keewaytinook Okimakanak. He began working with KO as the Outreach Worker when he was offered that challenge and the opportunity to work for the people he loved. When the Smart First Nations demonstration project began he willingly accepted the challenge to take on the Community Manager position to serve the KO communities in this new venture. As the Community Manager, Les was responsible for planning, establishing, coordinating and evaluating support services for the local community programs and services being developed and delivered as part of the Kuh-ke-nah project. Under this project he worked with community leaders and administration to recruit and support local community K-Net employees. Les also worked with other K-Net staff coordinating the planning and overseeing of identified training programs for First Nation e-Centre Managers, Computer Technicians and the Multi-media Producers. He provided training and support and most importantly positive encouragement for all.
As KO's Outreach Worker, Les worked with Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations to identify local employment and training opportunities. This position provided Les with an in-depth knowledge and strong working relationship with community members and the First Nation leadership. From 1994 to 1999, Les worked as Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Far North Fire Management Training Co-ordinator, in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Les graduated in 1992 as a Forestry Technician from The Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology.
Les will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a role model for fighting to protect Nishnawbe Aski, the land and the resources. He was a true and honourable warrior who fought the good fight all his life!
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Click here for a short video about some of Les' finer moments of sharing, teaching and laughing - thanks to George Ferreira for putting this together.