Patricia Lena Teichert

Patricia (Pat) Lena Teichert (nee Daniels)

Pat Teichert died peacefully in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 2, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Pat was born a proud Anishnaabe woman on the Long Plain Reserve near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on December 22, 1934. Although she spent several years at residential schools in Portage La Prairie and Sandy Bay, she reclaimed her Ojibwe identity and language to become a highly and widely respected cultural advisor and Anishinaabemowin teacher. She was a tireless Indigenous rights advocate who instilled in her children, grandchildren and all those who came to know and love her, the importance of connection to land, identity and language.

Pat lived and worked in Vancouver for 42 years, but her heart and spirit belonged to the Mashkode – the open prairie of her birth to which she will return for her final resting place.

Pat loved music and took great pride in her children’s many musical talents. She collected Indigenous art and literature and spent many happy hours researching Anishnaabe history and culture. She penned her own story that included the painful and traumatic years spent at the residential school, yet she was not defined by that experience. Instead she survived and thrived. She went on to live a life full of adventure, laughter and love, which is reflected in the devotion of her family, and in the respect of many friends and colleagues.

Pat lived up to her Indian name Mah-gii-gah-bou-wii-tah-muk, which translates into Woman Stands and Moves Forward. She broke many barriers and created paths for others to follow. Especially her children, who benefited by her strength and confidence and went on to achieve success of their own.

Pat is survived by her sons Gary (Sharon), Maurice (Laurie), Clyde (Cherryl) and her daughters Kimberley and Kelly, and 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Ruth (Ralph), Linda, Lizzie, Jacqueline (Clarence), Lydia and Yvette, and brothers Ernie, David, Irvin, Tony and Kirby and many nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her mother Agnes Daniels (nee Francis) in 1937, her father George Daniels in 1982, and brother Alexander Daniels in 1937. In recent years, she was predeceased by her husband Robert Teichert, former husband Robert Roulette, step-mother Grace Daniels, and sisters Marlene, Wanda and Yvonne.

The traditional wake will be held on May 9, at 4pm at the Spirit Lodge on Long Plain Reserve. The Feast and Celebration of Life for Patricia Teichert is scheduled for May 10, at 12 noon, also at the Spirit Lodge. Chief Dennis Meeches will conduct the traditional ceremony, and Lorraine Daniels will officiate the Christian service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pat’s life.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Patricia at the Banfield Pavilion in Vancouver for their kind care and dedication over the past four years.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com