Obituary of Collette Goodchild

GOODCHILD, Collette - "North Wind Woman" January 11, 1946 - It is with deep sorrow that the community and family announce the loss of the beloved Collette "North Wind Woman" Goodchild. A respected elder and leader, Collette gave herself freely and compassionately to her people of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, as a teacher, knowledge keeper and most of all - an "auntie". One day before her 74th birthday, Collette began her journey into the spirit world on Friday, January 10th, 2020. As the baby of the family, she will be welcomed with open arms by her parents Adele and Dan Goodchild, brothers Danny, Jerome, and Protheus, sisters Rosie (late Bartel), Matilda (late Reno), Cecile (late Stan), Adele, Pauline and Petrolia. Collette is survived by her many nieces & nephews, whom she considered her children, her great nieces & nephews, great-great nieces & nephews, and was especially loved by her newest 3x-great niece, Ella Rose. Collette made sure that every one of her nieces & nephews felt the warmth of her love and her charming smile, and her words of wisdom. Much of Collette's life was spent on the land with her parents, grandparents and very large extended family, and within the traditional territory of Biigtigong. She and her brother Proddy freely gave their whole hearts to their people, through traditional ceremony, knowledge of the land, of the people and as a first speaker of the language. Collette was actively involved in the revitalization efforts of Biigtigong Nishnaabemowin Language. Collette loved her time working for Pukaskwa National Park, as the First Nations Cultural Interpreter, hosting programs and language camps for visitors and tourists to the area. Upon retirement from Pukaskwa, she expressed how much she will miss going to work and seeing her coworkers every day, especially her long time friend Robin. Collette spent a lot of her time down the coast of Pukaskwa, in her family's traditional trap lines by Oiseau Bay. She will be missed dearly by her beloved Cat "Niiwaabis" and her dear friend & bingo partner Thelma. The community of Biigtigong have much to be thankful for, for having Collette be an instrumental part of our lives and and integral part of our histories. Even as her health began to slow her down, Collette made the effort to be part of community events, especially those concerning the children. She was considered "Auntie Collette" to many generations of Biigtigong Children. Biigtigong will always be a better place for the work that she has done to reclaim our traditional ways, our language, and our sense of being - her kindness will radiate for generations to come. On Saturday, January 11th, a "jiibyi-shkode" (sacred fire) was lit at Collette's home in Biigtigong. Everyone is welcomed to join Collette's family at 6:00pm nightly, to participate in a traditional ceremony to help Collette's journey crossing over to the spirit world. Friends and Relatives can also visit for prayers and song at St. Francis Xavier Church, immediately following the evening ceremony. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Church beginning at 12:00 p.m. Collette will be laid to rest next to her family and friends, in Biigtigong Cemetery, with a feast and celebration of life at the Biigtigong Community Centre thereafter. Arrangements entrusted to Kerry Funeral Home, Wawa, 1-800-439-4937. www.kerryfuneralhome.ca