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| Obituary: Daniel Ashini 1959-2009 |
 Daniel Ashini, who as a young chief first led the Innu onto the world stage, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 12, 2009 in hospital in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, at the age of 49. He leaves a 30-year legacy of service to his community, to the Innu people and to indigenous people around the world. Daniel was born on October 25, 1959, and raised in Sheshatshiu by a family with strong ties to the land and the Innu way of life. Like many people of his generation, he left the community to attend school in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, graduating in 1977. On his return to the community, he spent several years working for the band council, first as the outpost program coordinator, then as a bookkeeper and financial administrator. In 1985, Daniel was elected chief of Sheshatshiu, where he became a national spokesperson for the Innu resistance to the militarization of Nitassinan. He was arrested and jailed numerous times while engaged in non-violent civil disobedience during Innu occupations of the base and bombing range used by the German, British and Dutch airforces to conduct low-level training over Innu land. Graced with good nature and a subtle sense of humour, Daniel's quick wit and passionate speeches became known around the world, bringing many supporters to the Innu cause. He also possessed a sharp and agile mind, and quickly mastered any subject or issue that he engaged.
Daniel understood the importance of Innu unity, and worked tirelessly to maintain it. He also devoted a great deal of time to people in the communities. When anyone turned to him for assistance, he was there to assist. Despite his demanding positions, Daniel was passionate about the Innu way of life, and always found time to return to nutshimit (the country) to reconnect with the land and his family. A skilled hunter and traveler, Daniel would spend weeks at a time in the company of elders and his family. He took particular interest in Innu history and knowledge, and participated in many archaeological surveys and other research endeavors, a passion which he passed on to his children.
Heath issues eventually forced him to withdraw from public life, but he maintained an active role in the community, most recently serving as the Chair of the newly established Innu School Board, where he realized one of his goals to implement an Innu vision for education. Over the course of his life, Mr. Ashini travelled tirelessly, speaking on behalf of the Innu to audiences in Europe, Canada, Australia and elsewhere, in forums ranging from the United Nations to church basements. He co-authored several publications, and received numerous awards and citations for his leadership and commitment to protecting the land and Innu rights. Daniel is survived by his partner, Eloide Mark; two daughters, Jodie and Jolene, and his brothers George, Marcel, Joseph and Pat, his sisters Janet and Jackie. He was predeceased by sister Louisa (Ashini) Pokue on October 27, 2000. Funeral Service Please note that a funeral service for Daniel Ashini will be held at the Sheshatshiu Innu School, Thursday October 15 at noon. MiningWatch Canada Press Release. Canadian Boreal Initiative marks the death of Daniel Ashini. If you wish to express your condolences, please do so by leaving a comment bellow. |
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