Kanina Clara Kakekayash

Kanina Clara Kakekayash suddenly passed away on September 23, 2023 at 12:27 p.m. EST at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. She was 70 years old. She was from North Caribou Lake First Nation.

She is survived by her husband Gaetan St-Hilaire, her son Clinton Kakekayash, step-daughter Liana Quequish, Linda Sakchekapo (Ross Montour), Margaret Kenequanash (Mario Lalande), George Sakchekapo (Charlene), Mary Faus (Jon), brother-in-law Ivan St-Hilaire, sisters-in-law: Monique St-Hilaire, Gisele St-Hilaire, Andree St-Hilaire, Annie Lalancet, grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family.

She is predeceased by her son Quentin Kakekayash, mother Sarah (nee: Sakakeep), biological father Geordie Sakchekapo, father Joseph Sakchekapo, and Aunt Nancy Sakchekapo who helped raise her, youngest brother, John Sakchekapo, as well as father-in-law Roland St-Hilaire, mother-in-law Jacqueline and brothers-in-law Raymond St-Hilaire, Micheal St-Hilaire, Raynald St-Hilaire, Micheal St-Hilaire (2), and one other.

Kanina worked at Wawatay Communications Society for over 43 years. She was the “Voice of the North”. Everyone listened to her every morning when she broadcasted and delivered her radio program. She loved her Elders who taught her many things and she was always open to listening to the people who told their stories. She spoke Ojibway-Cree fluently and she was very passionate in ensuring that the language remained alive through her work. She also received the NAN Woman of the Year award in 2014.

Kanina loved coordinating church meetings and would host services. She had a wide circle of spiritual fellowship. She cherished the gifts our

Creator gave her such as being on the land with her family. We knew her as the “blueberry” queen. She and her husband enjoyed every minute together and most of their time would be spent at the blueberry patch in the summers. Cooler weather often found them having outdoor tea.

We will miss Kanina dearly as she was a very kind and wonderful person in our family and compassionate to all her people. Kanina persevered and taught us that through our faith in the Creator, he will protect us and keep us safe, and she often encouraged us in our own spiritual walks by sharing her love of God. We will remember and love you always.

Funeral services will be held:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Everest – Westfort Chapel, 
420 Gore Street, W. Thunder Bay, Ontario
Officiated by: Evangelist Tamar Plummer

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Sioux Lookout Funeral Home
Sioux Lookout, Ontario
Officiated by: Pastor Vanessa Moskotaywenene

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Thursday, September 28, 2023
St. Andrews United Church
hosted by River of Glory All Nations
Church, Sioux Lookout, Ontario
Officiated by Reverend Bill Morris

Pallbearers
Jarvis Anderson, Samuel Loon, Mario Lalande, George Sakchekapo, Matthew Gordon, Shane Sakchekapo

Honorary Mention
Clinton Kakekayash, Gaetan St-Hilaire, Daniel Sakchekapo, Natasha Sakchekapo
Dakota Sakchekapo, Dominic Sakchekapo, Ross Montour, Ashley Kenequanash, Nadine Meekis 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, Thunder Bay.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com