First Nation leaders from across Turtle Island gathered on Manitoulin Island this past weekend to pay honour to a former long-time First Nation Chief.
The funeral for the late Joseph (Joe) Frederick Hare was held this past Saturday with attendees acknowledging his many accomplishments in advocating for First Nations across Ontario.
Following his graduation, Hare found himself involved with advancing and advocating for Anishinaabe Rights, beginning with the Indian Friendship Centre movement throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Elected as Gimaa of M’Chigeeng in 1979, he pushed for the First Nation to gain control of education, the first such agreement in Canada and throughout his nine terms as Chief and five as Councillor, his focus remained on advocating for First Nations control over their own lives.
He was the Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians from 1994 to 1997, and Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians from 1989 to 1992.
Hare was also a founding member of Waubetek in 1986, Kenjgewin Teg in 1994, the Anishinabek Nation Credit Union and created the proposal “Our Children, Our Responsibility” which led to the creation of Kina Gbezhgomi in 1984.
Hare passed away on Tuesday, February 21st.
He was 83 years old.
