It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce and mourn the passing of our Former Chief, Current Councillor and Elder Joe Hare. Joe served a total of 9 terms as Chief and 5 terms including this current term as Councillor for M’Chigeeng First Nation. Joe was also a Former Grand Council Chief and Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians.
Joe has always been an active and strong advocate not only for M’Chigeeng First Nation but for all Anishinaabe People. He was dedicated to improving the lives and creating opportunities for all Anishinaabe people including our community. He was a founding member of Waubetek, Kenjgewin Teg, Gwekwaadziwin Miikan Treatment Facility and helped create Kina Gbezhgomi through his proposal of “Our Children, Our Responsibility”. In M’Chigeeng, he led the creation of the Mother Earth Renewable Energy that saw the construction of the two wind turbines in M’Chigeeng. He also led the creation of the M’Chigeeng Business Development Centre and Grocery Store.
Joe was a traditional man and lived by the teachings he received throughout his life. He was a pipe carrier and took his responsibility very seriously. He was a knowledge keeper and shared what he knew with anyone who would seek his knowledge and guidance. He was a strong advocate for the revitalization and preservation of Anishinaabe Identity, Language, Culture and Traditional Ways. He would always extend a hand to those who needed help. He also served as an inspiration to many.
Joe was also very supportive and loving of his family. He was very proud of his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He always ensured to teach his family all that he gained knowledge of and to share the visions he held true to his heart. We thank the Hare Family for their sacrifices to allow Joe to serve our community. Joe had a very special place in his heart for the people of M’Chigeeng and has always considered the people of M’Chigeeng his extended family.
Joe will truly be missed in the community, around the Council Table and throughout Turtle Island. His contributions to the betterment of Anishinaabe People will continue to stand and evolve into the future. We will always remember him as a true Warrior, a leader and a friend.
Joe will be resting at the M’Chigeeng Community Complex at 4:30 pm Thursday, February 23 until his burial on Saturday February 25 at 11:00 am at the Hare Traditional Resting Place. A Traditional Wake and Funeral will be held. The family is requesting that no cut flowers be sent. Donations can be made to Lakeview School Immersion.
Miigwech,
Ogimaa Kwe Linda Debassige