Wildlands League would like to honour and acknowledge John Cutfeet a friend and colleague who passed away suddenly earlier this summer. John worked for us in two capacities as our Northern Bilingual Mining Coordinator and then as an Aboriginal Watershed Program Coordinator or Anishinini’ow Niipii’ow Anokiinakun in the mid 2000s. He came from a communications background, was fluent in Anishininiimowin and English, had excellent knowledge of climate change, watersheds, exploration and mining and understands Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and was also a member of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.
John was a principled man who taught us a lot about jurisdiction, language and the land in addition to being a fearless advocate for his people. “One of the biggest lessons for me was how John tied the land struggles with the right of KI people to exist”, says Anna Baggio. “I also had the privilege of travelling with John to Peawanuck, Big Trout, Albany River and conferences and many other places. He had a clarity, vision and good heart that will be missed.”
“John’s smile, his ability to light up a room, and the way he would really look at you, see you and be present in the moment will forever live with me”, says Jan Sumner. “Even after John was no longer working with us, I took comfort in knowing he was out there, moving us all forward in his kind and gentle way. John brought people with him and made us all better for the knowing of him. We at Wildlands are richer for having known and worked with John. He will be missed.”
We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His brother James made a beautiful announcement here. We’ve copied one section that is especially poignant below.
“John’s life is a great loss to family, his knowledge and the important work he was engaged in. John leaves a profound chasm of advocacy in the protection of KI lands, its natural resources and the preservation of the language. Most importantly, his challenge to the suppression for the greater benefit of social justice for all First Nations peoples.”
MPP Sol Mamakwa and CBC News also marked the occasion. You can read about John’s legacy there too.
Anna Baggio
Conservation Director
