Canoe Lake mourns former Chief Guy Lariviere
- Judith Iron | May 04, 2020
Hearts are heavy in the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation as the community mourns the passing of long-serving former Chief Guy Lariviere.
Lariviere, 72, suffered with pneumonia and succumbed to his illness on April the 24th.
To accommodate the many individuals, leaders, and dignitaries who wanted to pay their last respects, a wake was held in Flying Dust First Nation prior to his being brought home. The funeral was held on the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation where Lariviere is now in his final resting place.
His passing did not go unnoticed due to his years of contributions in governance, business, and politics. Members of First Nations organizations such as the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) were saddened upon hearing the news. They praised Lariviere for his work and offered condolences to the family and the community of Canoe Lake.
Friends, family, and elders in the community feel the loss.
“He was a good man and a good leader,” said Eugene W. Iron, “Everybody respected him. It’s too soon, but he is with our ancestors now.”
Lariviere was a reputable former long-term leader in the community. Serving as a councilor for four years prior to running for Chief in 1992, Lariviere was re-elected to the position eight times. His term as chief began in 1992 and continued until 2008.
During his terms as Chief and Councilor, Lariviere was involved in the negotiations and settlements with the government of the Treaty Land Entitlement and the Primrose Air Weapons Range. As an FSIN senator, Lariviere fought for the rights and recognition of his people. In semi-retirement, he continued to work as a consultant on a number of projects. He sat on the Primrose Lake Economic Development Corporation board and was a driving force behind the annual Treaty 10 gatherings in Saskatchewan. When Lariviere wasn’t helping one organization or another he was fighting for justice for his people. He will be missed.