William Commanda | |
|---|---|
Ojshigkwanàng | |
 William Commanda (by Carol Noel) | |
| Born | November 11, 1913 |
| Died | August 3, 2011 (aged 97) |
| Known for | Spiritual leader; band chief (1951–1970); promoter of environmental stewardship |
| Title |
|
William Commanda OC (November 11, 1913 – August 3, 2011) (Algonquin name: Ojshigkwanàng, normally written Ojigkwanong, meaning "Morning Star") was an Algonquin elder, spiritual leader, and promoter of environmental stewardship. Commanda served as Band Chief of the Kitigàn-zìbì Anishinàbeg First Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec, from 1951 to 1970. In his life, he worked as a guide, a trapper and woodsman, and was a skilled craftsman and artisan who excelled at constructing birch bark canoes.[1][2] He was Keeper of several Algonquin wampum shell belts, which held records of prophecies, history, treaties and agreements. In 2008, Commanda was appointed to the rank of officer of the Order of Canada.[3][2]
- ^ "L'APN et les Premières Nations pleurent la perte de l'aîné algonquin " Grand-père "". CNW Telbec - Une societe PR newswire. 2011-08-03. Retrieved 2015-10-31.
- ^ a b William Commanda, Algonquin spiritual leader, dead at 97, Montreal Gazette, August 3, 2011
- ^ "Governor General Announces New Appointments to the Order of Canada". Governor General of Canada. Queen in Right of Canada. 30 December 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
For his leadership as an elder who has promoted intercultural understanding and has raised awareness of the traditions and legacies of Canada's Aboriginal people.