Manitoulin Expositor February 9, 2000
LENA WHITE (WAABI-OJIIG)
Lena White (Waabi-Ojiig) June 1, 1940-January 28, 2000. Pea cefully after a short battle with cancer, Waabi-Ojiig walke d into the spirit world. Lena grew up on Wikwemikong Uncede d First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. She resided a t Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation since 1995. Lena wa s the daughter of the late Dominic Odjig and Lucy Odjig. Sh e was the beloved wife of Charles Nelson of Roseau River. L ena also leaves two sons to treasure her memory, Stanford a nd Shannon White, both of Walpole Island, Ont.; their fathe r David White and Charlie's children, Zongidaya, Jodee, Ann a, Bawbee and Kirby of Roseau River. Also left to mourn he r passing are brothers Frank, Wilfred (friend Denise), Ronn ie (Mary Lynn), Gordie (friend Annette) and Clayton (frien d Maryann), all of Wikwemikong; sisters, Marcella Clarkso n (Chuck) of Millgrove, Rose Marie Trudeau of Wikwemikong a nd Patricia of Toronto. Lena was predeceased by her sisters , Rita and Lorraine. Lena was also a dear sister to Don (Ma ry Agnes) of Wikwemikong, Stanley Fisher (Boots) of Sault S te. Marie, Daphne Beauon (Chester) and Winnie Christian (Ge orge) of British Columbia. In-laws, Larry Glover, Margare t Jackson, Alanis King-Odjig, as well as many nieces, nephe ws, relatives, godchildren and friends will miss Lena. Lena 's passing will be keenly felt by the Nelson family and he r sister and brothers of the Mide Lodge, where she was a Fi rst Degree Midewiwin-quay. Lena never hesitated to stand u p an do the work that she had committed her life to. Lena w as well-known for her work in the area of Native language e ducation and participated in the development of the Nativ e Human Services Programme (Hons. B.S.W.) at Laurentian Uni versity. She was a teacher of Native language courses in th e Native Language Instructors Program at Lakehead Universit y. Lena attained her Masters Degree at York University in t he Native Canadian Relations Theme Area in the Faculty of E nvironment Studies focusing on human environment and relati onships, culture and languages. Lena was uncomplaining to t he end. She will be remembered for her energetic and helpfu l nature. She generously shared her many gifts with member s of her community and the Midewiwin Lodge.A traditional co mmunity wake was held on Saturday, January 29 with Mide-Tea cher, Lawrence Henry at the Roseau River Anishinabe Communi ty Hall. The first water drum teachings in memory of Waabi- Ojiig, as instructed by Mide Grand Chief Eddie Benton Benai , began at sunset on Sunday, January 30. Final preparatio n and teaching ceremonies began at sunset on Monday, Januar y 31. A burial ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 1, fo llowed by a feast at noon. Thank you to staff of the Morri s Hospital for their kind and respectful treatment during L ena's illness. Also thank you to family, friends and the Mi dewiwin Lodge for their
support during this difficult time.

(In appreciation to Manitoulin Genealogy for this Obituary , a website of Laurie Lovelace)

• Married:
• Change Date: 16 Mar 2012

• Married:
• Change Date: 16 Mar 2012

1. Abbrev: MFT
   Title: MFT