Donald Daniels

Donald Charles Daniels

Sagia Bines (Thunderbird coming into sight)

Ogemow Ji Ga Bow (Chief Standing on the Mountain),

Nii Gahnii Biness (Leader of the Thunderbirds),

Makomeenin (Ice Man).

Peacefully at the Portage District General Hospital, Donald passed away on February 10, 2015 at the age of 84 years old with his eldest daughter Diane at his side.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Isabelle of 60 years and his infant daughter Tina, his parents John and Lizzie Daniels (nee McKinney), brothers George, William, Jim, David, Butcher(John Jr.) and sisters Mary Gregory, Jean Meeches, Lucy Perswain, and Laura Day. He was predeceased by his great-grandsons, Ryder Fontaine, Andrew Berman, Kyle Daniels and Kyler Soldier Roulette.

He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his loving memory and his children, 8 daughters; Diane (Cecil), Lorraine, Barb (Merv), Karen (Trevor), Corena (Paul), Sharon (Norman), Valerie (Vern), Ronda and 4 sons Dwuane (Karen), Marvin (Jackie), Ken (Debbie), and Darryl (Rene). He also leaves to mourn his adopted brother, Archie Tobacco. Special acknowledgements to dad’s close friends and adopted family members, Tom, Mark, Garda, Kevin, Dylan and Derek.  His loyal canine companion, Rex will miss Dad’s daily loving presence. Dad was the last living member of his family. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jerry and Clara Longclaws, his sisters-in law Doreen, Eliza, Claris, and his brothers-in-law Alfred. He is survived by his brother-in-law Clarence Atkinson, his sisters-in-law, Grace Daniels and Betty Daniels. He leaves behind 42 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Dad was gifted in traditional knowledge of healing medicines, and touched the lives of many ethnic groups. He leaves behind a legacy of love and an Anishinaabe Inaadiziwin (way of life).  He was a role model for his family and community. His most notable achievements consist of his contribution of knowledge to the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities throughout his life span.  His career consisted of being a welder, semi-truck driver, school custodian, provincial park attendant, Director of the Portage Friendship Centre, DOTC Cultural Worker and Cultural and Elder Advisor to the Sharing Circle television program. As a teacher and healer he shared his traditional knowledge, language, culture, customs and medicines. He was a hoop dancer and grass dancer in his younger days. As a father, he lived a traditional life of hunting, trapping, being a master angler and making his own snowshoes.  He was an acknowledged and respected elder, a linguist, historian, herbalist, pipe carrier and musician. He is also an author of a published book “History of Long Plain.”

His biggest accomplishment was being recommended for an Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from the University of Manitoba. A scholarship was also named in his honor, the Don Daniels Scholarship in Indigenous Spirituality from the University of Winnipeg. He was respected in the medical community for his indigenous knowledge of traditional herbs and medicines to heal those with illnesses who sought his help.  Memorial donations can be made to the Don Daniels Scholarship at the University of Winnipeg.

Dad accepted the Lord into his life this past fall.  As a young father, Dad would gather his young children to sing gospel songs. He had introduced his children to gospel music.  Dad became part of the Harvest Call congregation and sang his favorite gospel song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Before he passed away, he shared with us that he always prayed for his children. He always wanted prayer and eagerly asked for prayers whenever he had visitors.  Before his passing, he prayed the Lord’s Prayer.  He remembered the full prayer and prayed it through.  He has gone to his heavenly home where there is no more pain but to spend eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father and be reunited with his soul mate and the love of his life.

Active pallbearers will be:  Howard Daniels, Jason Smith, Tyler Bruno, Jerry Daniels, Marvin Myerion, Durand Daniels, James Assiniboine Jr., Richard John. All his grandsons and great-grandsons are considered honorary pall bearers.

Wake will be at the Keeshkeemaquah Conference Centre on Saturday, February 14th, 2015 starting at 4:00 p.m. Feast will be on Sunday, February 15, at 11:00 am. Traditional Ceremony and Christian Services will follow on Sunday, February 15, at 1:00 pm. at the Keeshkeemaquah Conference Centre. Interment is at Daniels Cemetery, south side of reserve.

A message can be left in the on-line guest book at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com