Remembering Charlie Delorme
- EFN Staff | November 27, 2013
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is offering condolences to the communities of Yellowknife and Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories following the passing of Mr. Charlie Delorme, an Indian residential school survivor who donated much of his settlement compensation to charities.
Charlie Delorme, from Fort Resolution, NWT, was an Indian residential school survivor who spent nearly 40 years living on the streets of Yellowknife. When he recently received his Indian residential school settlement compensation, he gifted much of it to charity, including sizable donations to the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation, Yellowknife's Salvation Army, the city's Sidedoor Youth Centre and others. Charlie passed away in his home November 25 at the age of 64.
"It is with a heavy heart that I offer condolences to all those who were lucky enough to know Mr. Charlie Delorme. I had the honour of spending time with Charlie over breakfast in Yellowknife earlier this month, where we shared many laughs. He was a man of few words, but Charlie had a lifetime of experiences that taught him the importance of giving back to his community, specifically to the children and youth. One could consider Charlie's childhood stolen by the residential schools system, but for this reason he knew the importance of a happy childhood. He had a strong connection to children, often playing ball in the street and joking around with them as they'd pass by and they in turn had genuine affection for Charlie," says Atleo.
"Charlie will be remembered for his generosity, contributing in ways that go far beyond cash donations and his selflessness is a real-life example of reconciliation in action. Charlies spirit will live on through the stories of his resilience and humour remembered by many in Yellowknife, and through the donations to a number of organizations he has been involved with and helped. Charlie always said that so many people showed kindness to him, especially the youth and many in turn have been and will continue to be touched by his."