Powley Case
Tributes

A Nation Remembers a Great Hero, a Great Friend
We will never forget what he accomplished so selflessly for all of us.

Below are emailed comments from Métis citizens and Canadians that knew or were affected by the wonderful life of Steve Powley. If you have comments of your own, please submit them to us via this email address: forsteve@metisnation.org

We would like to take this time to thank everyone for all the emails sent and all the heart felt words of comfort that showed the love and caring for Steve. He will be sadly missed. Thank you all for the beautiful flowers as well as the donations that was sent on Steve's behalf. It's now up to us all (in the Métis homeland) to carry on the fight from here.

WITH MUCH LOVE
BRENDA, PAUL, EVELYN, RODDY, KIM
JERRI, ANTHONY, AARON

I send my prayers and thoughts of thankfullness to Steve for what he has done for our people. Today I recieved my Métis card in the mail, then seen the news about Steves passing.
sincerly, Kevin McCulloch
St.Thomas Ontario.

Dear Brenda: hi there, my name is Theresa Tetu and I'm 33 years old and metis. I also lost my dad who was metis 2 years ago on sunday march, 17 2002. He passed away from diabetes and Parkinson's disease. I know what you are going through right now with the loss of your husband. 2 weeks before my dad passed away he would talk french to my mom and she would say I don't understand you. If you would like to reach me I'm at: Theresa Tetu
Fraser Valley Métis Association.

Hi Brenda,
It's Stacey Cress. I just found out today of Steve's passing. I was shocked,as many people would have been. I just got off the phone with Paul.

I remember being at meetings and Métis hunting rights would come up and I'd tell people that my best friends dad was Steve Powley and the brother of Roddy.

People were surprised and impressed that I knew Steve and Roddy personally. Like they were celebrities. I guess they are.

I never looked at Steve as a celebrity. I looked at him as Steve, my best-friends dad, your husband and father to his children and grandfather to his grandchildren.

I remember spending many days at your home, playing pig, , under the table - oink, oink...sleeping over many nights, decorating for Christmas, him helping me wrap Christmas presents for my then girlfriend, washing dishes after supper of the many times I would have eaten over.

Steve, was like a father to me in many ways. He always welcomed me into your home and always offered me a place to sit, sleep or what ever I needed.

Yes the Métis Nation has lost a great hero for the Métis movement.

But I feel the lost of a person whom was a great influence on my life and the lives of my children today.

I am so sorry that I wasn't able to make the funeral and please know that I would have wanted to be there. My thoughts are with you.

In Spirit of Children
Stacey Vincent Cress

Dear Mrs Powley,
On behalf of the Lamothe family please accept our deepest condolences. Steve was a hero to all who believe in equal rights as well as inheritant rights. Once again our deepest sympathy.

Paul Lamothe

On behalf of the Revelle-Cota Families of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation ( AAFNA ) . Our condolences to a great Aboriginal and Leader for Native Rights.
Rick Revelle
Council of Family Heads

Kwey our Métis Allies, On behalf of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation we send our prayers and condolences to the Powley Family.
Will you please pass our feelings on to the Family.

Chief Randy Cota
for Heads of Family Council

Tansi! I will never forget your valuable contributions to our Nation and will forever keep your memory alive.

In the Spirit of Riel,
Lenore Barron

Ode to Steven Powley,
I didn't know Steven personally. Had I not read an article in our local newspaper, the Windsor Star, I would have never known the bravery and tenacity of this man.
After 61 years of knowing my bloodline and Métis heritage, I have finally applied for acceptance into the Métis Nation. I have known of my connection as being a Métis and farther back to full blood Indians since
I was a little boy. Everyone was embarrassed to admit this since my childhood and I was always discouraged from pursuing my family tree. My Mothers family ws from Manitoba. The Red River Settlement then. My mother's
grandma' was Métis and there are lots of people in my family that are. I am very excited to persue my acceptance and be a useful member of the Métis Nation. Thanks Steve, for you and you alone set me on the path to my destiny to accept that I am a Métis and proud of it. You will be remembered always, as there are very few Canadian heros these days. I applaud your stance on helping the Métis Nation and for being an inspiration to all of us. In my opinion, he had the spirit of a super hero in the
body of a human, a Métis. I found that I was as proud as can be about my lineage and connection to my past, and so I applied for citizenship into the Métis Nation. I would probably never done that or given it another thought, had I not read the newspaper that day. My condolences to the Family of Steven. You lost a husband, a father, and a friend, but certainly gained immortality for the Powley name, and you should be very, very proud.

Jim Turner
Amherstburg, ON

Tribute to Steve Powley A Métis Leader & Hero

I looked up towards Heaven late last night
And I asked the Creator why?
There in the darkness was the answer
A brilliant new star light the sky

We spent many hours together
We shared a story or two
We always had our laughter
And there was one thing that we knew

Our friendship was well bonded
Our trust was always there
Our love for one and other
Between us we did share

As Métis brothers always believing
That there would be no end
But when the Creator reaches down for his child
An Angle he does send

We loved you oh so dearly
And you will forever be missed
The loved ones you leave behind
Have felt your tender kiss

You have touched the hearts of many
You will always be there
As we kneel before the Creator
You will be forever in our prayers

Your family mirrors your image
A reflection a picture of you
As they stand together as one
So strong courageous and true

We miss you, we love you
And know that your work is done
You have left us with the courage
To pick up your cross and go on.

I looked up towards Heaven late last night
And I asked the Creator why?
There in the darkness was the answer
A brilliant new star light the sky

Brent McHale PCMNO

To The Powley Family,
It is with sincere condolences that we forward our message to the family of a Métis Hero that will be remembered for many generations.

The Métis in Zone II of the Métis Nation of Alberta wish to express our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, elder and friend. We recognize and are grateful that Steve Powley possessed great committment and dedication to the aspirations of our Métis Nation. We also recognize that many times our Great Creator puts us on this earth to complete certain tasks within our lifetime. Mr. Steve Powley, we are confident, has completed his tasks and has done so with honour, dignity and has left his legacy for the Métis Nation in Canada. Our prayers are with you all during this time of great loss and sorrow.

In Unity,
Karen (KC) Collins & Homer J. Poitras
Zone II Regional Council
Métis Nation of Alberta

In the short time I knew Steve he made it seem that I knew him forever. We had great times and a few laughs everytime we met. This is one story I would like to share:
Steve was in Thunder Bay Oct 19th for a community meeting where the decision of the Supreme Court was explained by Tony, Jean and the executive. We had a great turn out and a lot of citizens had the opportunity to talk to Steve. Anyway, about a month later Steve calls me and ask for the receipe for the rabbit dish that was at our pot luck dinner the night of the meeting. We still don't know to this day who brought that dish but here is what I gave Steve

Ingredients: 1 rabbit, salt and pepper, carrotts, baby potatoes and low fat popcorn
Prepare rabbit, stuff popcorn and sew up stomach, chop up carrots and place with baby potatoes and rabbit in roasting pan and turn to 350 degrees.
When the popcorn blows the arse out of the rabbit, its done.

In Memory of Steve
Cam Burgess
Thunder Bay

My condolences to you Brenda and your family on the passing of your wonderful husband, a man who showed the rest of the nation what it means to stand up for what you beleive in. The nation is greatful for his committment and perserverance. Take comfort that Steve has done his work here, and is now where he does'nt have to be in pain. He's now with all his relatives past, and Gabriel and Louie too! They're likely talking about all their hunting episodes, and swapping bigger stories. Rest easy knowing that Steve is a beautiful example of the best of our nation.

All our sympathies...

Brenda Blyan
and Northern Styles Native Arts Society
Edmonton, Alberta

Dear Brenda and the Powley Family,
The members of Nova Métis Heritage Association would like you to know how proud we are of Steve's courage to stand strong in his belief for what we all know in our hearts is our ancestral right to provide for our families in ways that have been handed down from fathers and mothers to sons and daughters. At a General Meeting, on the evening of February 24, our President Ken Fisher relayed the news of Steve's passing to those present and in unison we stood in a moment of silence for the man and a moment of reflection that this was a proud yet sad time for the Métis Nation. On behalf of our President, the Board of Directors and members please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Our thoughts are with you,
Sharon Eyford
Secretary
Nova Métis Heritage Association
Surrey, British Columbia

Dear Brenda and Powley Family;
I am sending my deep condolences to you and your family on the passing of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. I have been with the Métis Nation for the last eight years and I have followed the "Powley" case with much interest. Here was a man who was living like my brother's and my ancestors lived. He hunted and fished as a normal way of providing food for his family. But more than that...he rose to defend his right to do that. Not many Métis were able to do that before. Today...because of what Steve did ... I don't think any of them would back down. I can only say...Chii Meegwetch. Steve will live forever in the hearts and minds of many Métis citizens who never met him, never talked to him and never truly knew him. But we will always be proud to tell our children of him. I know his blood lives on in other generations and as a Métis woman I am very happy about that. I know words will never truly bring comfort to you and your family; but I hope some day you may be able to read these words and share in some of our heartfelt pride in Steve. I will pray that you all are carried with great gentleness by the Creator through these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Darlene McIsaac
Region 5 CDO

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to all of your family. Steve Powley did very much for the Métis Nation and will always be remembered with great respect and honor. He has done alot for our Nation as well as
his son, he is now in the Lord's hands and at peace.
Sincerely,
Rita Davey
Bookkeeper - Baptiste Lake Métis Health Care
Maynooth, Ontario

I was very sad to hear of Steve's passing and my heart goes out to his entire family. Although he never wanted to be in the spotlight, he certainly shone through as a hero to all of us in the Métis community. I feel very priviledged to have known him.

Connie Boyd

On behalf of myself and my family, we wish to extend our sincere condolences and our heart felt respect to the family and friends of Steve Powley.

The journey he and his family have travelled in the past decade representing and fighting for the rights of the citizens of the MNO will never be forgotten.

His efforts allowed us as individuals to be recognized and be even more proud to say " I'm Métis!".
We have had historical leaders such as Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont leave their mark in the growth of our Nation, as did Mr Steve Powley.

He will be missed and always remembered as a leader and legend of our Nation.
Thank you Steve!

On behalf of Rachelle, Victor , Elaine , Claude and Gilles Brunelle, Georgian Bay Métis

Dear Brenda and family
The family of Mary Ebare(Theodore Wallace) regret the loss of your beloved family leader. We are proud of his labours that drove him to accomplishments his mission of love. He was blessed with a special task, and he never failed. He is now in the closed arms of God.
Love your cousins
The Ebare Family

Hello Steve's Family,
I met Steve at our Sault Ste Marie assembly. I didn't personally talk to him. I felt the number of our citizens interested in talking to him was large and I didn't what to divide his attention from the many people that knew him.
I know he taught '' Our citizens to stand and be heard and to not leave speaking before speaking of our RIGHTS but to perssist. Stand and be Heard all the way to The Supreme Court of Canada OUR COUNTRY.''

Steve had the Spirit of Louis Riel. This Spirit was passed on to Rodney a beautiful lesson to learn from a father.
I'm sorry to say my father was brouhgt up hidding the fact his father and mother were of Native descendents. Dad even on his death bed refused to admit it. Thank God his older brother told his daughter before he passed.

I promised myself never ever to be ashamed of who I was or who were my ancesters. Throught the research my cousin did. I managed to find other people in my community interested in their passed ancestry. We heard of the Métis Nation of Ontario of which we became citizens. The citizens I met formed the first Métis Nation of Ontario chapter in Sudbury. I'M PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A CO-FOUNDER of the Sudbury Métis Council. I' ve met wonderful people. I have a habit of talking too much.

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE TO ALL THE FAMILY.
ex: West End Prep Sudbury Métis Council
Marcel Boulard

Tánsi, Tânishi Brenda and Family,
Words are never comfort enough, but through this all remember:

During Steve's time on this Wheel of Life,
With support from his family and friends,
Steve fought and won Métis freedom and rights,
Fulfilling his Purpose and Destiny by the end.
My prayers are with you!

*Hugs*

Lori Malone, Secretary
Fraser Valley Métis Association

rest in peace steve. your work is done. the best description for you is that you were a good man.
frank foley

At the age of ten while riding in the car we were talking about wishesand anthony's one wish was for his grandpa to have his legs backso he can walk again. He is always thinking of others insteadof himself. Anthony's one wish was granted through our creator.Grandpa now has his legs back so he can walk again.

Cherished memories of Anthony (grandson)
for his grandfather

I've never met a more honourable, strong and kind man. Steve was the most unlikely of heroes, and that was what made him so great. A humble man of humble means, he never sought fortune or fame. How rare it is to come across such a warm and self-less human being. What a gift it is to have met and have known such a beautiful and generous man. Because of this, he is most deserving of the praise and the thanks we will always give him. We send our love and prayers to Brenda, Kim, Roddy and to Steve's entire family.

Christi, Wayne and Jeana
Whitefish Falls, Ontario

Steve was more than a leader, he was like the director of a huge symphony orchastra. When Steve became involved in a project he was committed to the very end no matter what the outcome. He was always available to the community and his door was never locked.If you needed a hand the Powley family was there for you, if you were in need, Steve would give you the shirt off his back. If you needed a kick in the rear he never hesitated to set you back on track.Steve Powley was truly my hero and my mentor.To day we can stand proud when we talk about our Métis leaders and heros. I say this from my heart in my books Steve Powley is a Métis leader that can take his place along side Louis Riel, Gaberial Dumont and the many unnamed Métis Leaders Steve Powley and his son Roddie are and will always be my heros. I thank the Creator that I was give the privilege to have been a very small part of there struggle. In the end Steve seen his job on earth complete and can be very proud of the legacy he leaves behind. Steve can be proud of Roddie,his wonderful wife Brenda and daughters Eveland, Kim and son Paul. God bless you Steve, you will for ever be in our prayers.

Brent McHale
Captain of the hunt/Provisional Councillor

My condolences to your family in the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. I want you to know how grateful we all are for the great accomplishment that was provided to us, the Métis, by your loved one. He has opened many doors for all of us and we will remember him forever. As far as I'm concerned he is another Métis hero.
May he rest in peace and may you be comforted in knowing that he's gone to a better place.

Linda St. Cyr
Member of the St. Norbert Métis Council of the MMF, Winnipeg

To our great uncle Steve
You will be missed by all of us rest in peace and hunt with the best
love,
djay
dustin
ashley
dylan
darrell
jeanne couturier

we love auntie brenda and cousins

On behalf of Métis communities in the Deh Cho-Mackenzie River District, we extend our condolences to the family of Steve Powley and his community. Steve's courage and determination to fight for Métis rights will be entrenched in Canada's history. He certainly will be remembered by Métis citizens across the country for his contribution to Métis rights recognition.

Albert J. Lafferty, President
Fort Providence Métis Council--Local No. 57
Deh Cho - Mackenzie River Region
Northwest Territories

To the Powley Family,
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to your family at the passing of Steve. He was a dear man who is admired for his commitment to Métis rights will be greatly missed!
Sharon Reynolds

A sad day for all metis people. may the creator give you
the strength to go on. The memories you have will take you to a peaceful plateau while your heart heals and your soul lightens.

Bruce Belcourt, President
Métis Local 1939
Marlboro, Alberta

We, at the Métis Nation of Ontario, Welland Council, are very saddened to hear of Steve Powley's Passing. Some of us had the pleasure of meeting Steve and his family at our AGA in Sault Ste. Marie. We were very proud to meet him. We all will mourn the passing of this great man, who did so much for the Métis. It is with heartfelt sorrow that we send our condolences to his family. His presence will be missed but the memory of him will live on in our hearts.

I would like to give my thanks to all the people that sent out their words to us (the Powley family) and here is a poem for all of the people who knew Steve Powley. This poem is dedicated to those who knew Steve Powley.
It is by his granddaughter Jerri-Lee Powley.

Time 2 fly

Well as we know it is my time to fly
and look over you from the sky
as I watch with pride
there is no time to hide.
You need to move on
and take care of your life
none of this crying
so please put down that knife.
I dont want to be cried for
I dont wanted to be wept for
I just want to be rememberd
for ever and more.
for those who knew me
knew I was a fighter
never a loser
so if you need me just take a look at the sky.

Kim Powley

I am proud that the work I do for the Métis Nation of Ontario can be traced back to one man who took on the system. Who stood up and was proud and wouldn't take no for an answer. In every aspect of what I do for the MNO I refer to the Powley decision exists because of Steve Powley. How many of us have changed the course of our country, our people and our rights?

Sincerely,
Kim Donaldson
Capital Hill Group

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE POWLEY FAMILY. ON BEHALF OF ALL THE METIS PEOPLE IN RED DEER ALBERTA WE SAY THANK YOU STEVE POWLEY.
JOE CHODZICKI,PRESIDENT
MNA LOCAL #84, RED DEER, ALBERTA

So loved
So missed
So precious
in memory,
Sharing your sadness today.

L. Cardinal
Manitoba

To the Powley Family:

We had the great fortune of meeting Steve Powley. He was an inspiration to many and has affected the lives of those for generations to come. We would like to extend our sincere condolences for your loss. It was a great shock to hear of his passing. We recognize that your family shared his spirit with us during his life - with the time that he committed in fighting his battle to the Supreme Court of Canada and we are now hoping to share with your family - our prayers in your time of grief.

In the brief encounters we had with Mr. Powley - we recognized a proud man with a great deal of character and integrity. Through his passion and beliefs many of our youth will continue to thrive and grow as Métis people.

Once again, thank you to your entire family for the self-sacrificing gift that you have shared with us a Métis people by supporting this amazing man in his fight for the inherent rights of our people. Our community has lost a great leader and the wisdom of one of our visionaries. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to you and your family.

Respectfully,
Jerry Letendre, President
Cecile Belrose, Vice-President
METIS REGIONAL COUNCIL ZONE IV
Métis Nation of Alberta

On Behalf of the citizens of the Métis Nation of Alberta - Zone 1, President George Quintal and Vice-President Rick P. Boucher send their condolences to the Powley family during their time of grievance. Steve has not only become a legend within our homeland but has left us with a legacy that will not be forgotten and that is to continue to stive for what is right no matter what ailments we may have.

The actions that Steve has undertaken to fight for our Rights shall be entrenched within Canada's history and let us not forget this. Let us all continue in his name to ensure that all Métis within our homeland can enjoy the privilage he has provided for us to feed our families.

With the greatest respect, let his family not go hungry ever again.

Respectfully,
George Quintal, President
Rick P. Boucher, Vice-President
Ed Swain, Métis Activist

Oh Great and Mighty Spirit

We ask you to protect this Warrior called Steve Powley that you have called to sit beside you in your Sacred and Everlasting Circle.

We ask for your prayers for the families that have been left to deal with such a great loss. Please Creator look down upon his Keeper of The Water called Brenda. Please help and guide her through the long dark forest that lay ahead of her.

Please guide and protect his children Paul, Evelyn, Rod and Kimberly and give them the strength to deal with this great loss.

Please allow his Grandchildren, Jerri-Lee, Anthony and Aaron to understand the lost of their Grandfather and may they remember him with fondness

We pray to the Grandfather from the East who lit the path for this Warrior when he left your protection and entered this huge world we call Turtle Mountain.

We pray to the Grandfather from the South who warmed the body of this Warrior as he preformed the duties of defender, hunter and provider for his family.

We pray to the Grandfather from the West who shed soft light at the end of the day on this Warrior while he prepared for his evening rest.

We pray to the Grandfather from the North who gave this Warrior strength as he lay sleeping.

We pray to Grandmother Moon who shone her soft moonbeams down upon this Warrior as he lay sleeping and perhaps for a few moments give him peaceful thoughts of his loved ones.

We pray and thank Mother Earth who gave nourishment to the bodies of this Warrior while he grew from childhood to Adulthood.

We ask Mother Earth to receive our fallen and departed Warrior called Steve to her womb and to cover his body with a soft cover of green grasses.

We Thank the Great Spirit Eagle, who accompanied this Warrior on his long journey over the dark waters in the Sacred Voyager Canoe being propelled forward by his mighty ancestors to be received by their Ancestors, and by you Oh great Spirit, their true Father and Protector, into the Sacred Circle.

Amen, Meegwetch

Senator Reta Gordon

To my father in law....I didnt get to say good-bye, you will forever hold a warm place in my heart.
goodbye Steve
with love
Nancy Powley

Everything on the earth has a purpose and every person
a mission. When Steve Powley was born, he cried and the
world listened and rejoiced. In life Steve cried, the
Government was forced to listen and the Métis rejoiced.
Now the Métis and the world cry and Steve rejoices. nThere is no death, only a change of worlds. It is the general belief amongst the Aboriginal Peoples that after a man dies his spirit is somewhere on the earth or in the sky, we do not know exactly where, but we are sure that his spirit still lives.

Steve was just an ordinary guy and that’s why we liked him so much. The only thing big about him was his love of his family and of the Métis. Steve was always surrounded by family. Each one, of those family members, was as important to our Victory as was the other. He also had a bigger family – the Métis family, this family was also important to Steve. It was with these that Steve shared the fruit of his labour. Steve only wanted to put food on his table, he left us, putting food on the table of a Nation.

I don’t think I ever heard Steve say “I won” instead he said “I’m glad, I’m glad for my children, my grandchildren and the Métis”. Well Steve Powley did win and win big. Some will say his name will go down in history, but it’s not history that will remember him, because Steve will live on, in his family and in the consciousness of the Métis people.
Shaun Redmond

Although we have never met and may never in fact, I would like to thank you for allowing your husband and son to stand tall for all of us. Together they have brought home the message that for too long many Métis have denied their Native ancestry. We had allowed public prejudice and criticism of First Nations people to color our own thoughts and closet ourselves. I want to thank you Brenda for standing behind your husband and helping him to affirm our identity and our place in this great country.

At this time I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I ask the Lord's blessing on you all at this time and pray for him to comfort you and grant you peace.

God bless
Dianne and Bob Ramage
Courtenay, B.C.

I send this e-mail today to offer my deepest
condolences to the family of Steve Powley. Steve and
his son Rod were in Fort Frances last fall(2003) as a
follow up to the Supreme Court Decision. While here I
had the opportunity to get to know Steve and share a
few hunting tales. It was during this time that Steve
spoke about his love for the bush, love of his family
and pride of being a Métis. Steve never once took
credit for the victory at the Supreme Court. Instead
he spoke of the importance the decision will have on
his family, the Métis generations to come and all the
Métis in Canada. He was a warrior and a hell of a
story teller. Til we meet again Steve. Meegweetch.
Dean McMahon
Captain of the Hunt
Region One

Our thoughts are with the Powley family in their time of loss.Steve will always be remembered by the Métis nation.His dedication to his family and friends is a tribute to a great man who fought for a great cause.

John Stewart
Ladysmith BC

We were Sad to hear Steve had lost his battle with the Diabetes.I remember when we met Steve and how he welcomed myself and my husband ,to his home and his wife gave us coffee and we chated with them on many occasions. We feel he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and all how love him. l remember when ever we would see him we would try and take a few minutes of his time to visit.Have a good Journey Steve .

The Crane's
Suzanne & Brian

On behalf of the Swain family, relatives and friends, we wish to send our condolences to Steve's family. It has been a long time since our Nation could truly say and be proud that there was a hero amongst us that stood firm on a Right he believed in. We do have some great leaders amongst us that saw Steve's courage and helped soldier this battle with him. Thank you.

I currently live in Northeastern Alberta, and have felt proud to hear our local trappers and hunters of the area speak proudly of a man they have never met. They too, will morn the loss of this great hero as they have not had the opportunity to thank him personally as they had hoped to do some day.

The legacy of Steve shall live within our hearts for years to come. It was a pleasure to have met you Steve. May the Great Spirit look after you with the comfort you deserve.

Respectfully,
Ed Swain
A Proud Métis

On behalf of the Burton clan of region 5:
We would like to send our condolences to the Powley family for their loss. It was always a great pleasure to speak with Steve over the years at our Métis gatherings.
He traveled a long road for us, now there is a blue sky out there.

Brian Cockburn
also Mike Horth, Panama

To the Powley family,
It is said that the measure of a man is determined by the footprints he leaves behind after his passing. If that is the case then Steve was a giant of a man who has left his indelible footprint on history - a history that not only his family can be proud of but all Métis can be proud of.
My sincerest condolences,

Fred Houle
Calgary, Alberta

my condolences to the powley family on steves passing.i never met the man myself but he was a hero to the metis people. we will miss you steve.
bob chartrand
thunder bay

My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Steve. From this man, I learnt much about standing up for one's innate truth, for one's rightful heritage and for one's place in a nation. I owe him a huge thanks. May you find comfort and ease in the days ahead.

Thank you,
Mary Gavan

Few people have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the people that they care for. Steve Powley is a person that had that chance, and decided to make the most of it, even thought he knew he would face significant obstacles. I only hope that if the same choice was thrust upon me, I would have the courage that Steve showed.

He will be missed...and remembered.
Kelly Mitchell

First of all I'd like send my sincere condolences to all the Powley family. On December 2nd. of 2003 I received my harvesting certificate. When I showed my wife I had tears in my eyes. She asked what's wrong. Nothing is wrong I replied. I'm just so proud. And for this I thank Steve Powley and his family.

Proud Métis in Sterling
Wayne Lortie

The Niagara Métis Association mourns the great loss of Steve Powley. A true warrior of and for the proud people of the Métis Nation.

On Behalf of all Métis people in Alberta, I wish to send our deepest gratitude to Steve and his family. You have given our people a new light, a new dawn , and a new beginning. I remember meeting you in the hallways last spring at the Supreme Court of Canada, and the fog was very heavy that morning. I remember you telling me that this must have how Old Louis Riel felt, sneaking up the hill to sign in on Parliament Hill. It is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you Mr. Powley. You will be forever remembered by our fellow Métis throughout our Country.

Sincerely,
Trevor W. Gladue
Provincial Vice President
Métis Nation of Alberta

To the Powley Family,
We would like to send our condolences to you and his family. A man well liked and admired. A true Métis leader. I personally would like to thank him for what he's done for us. Always a pleasure to talk to. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all. May this day never be forgotten.

Rick Meilleur and family
region 5 (Sudbury)

On behalf of Lower Vancouver Island Métis Nation board of directors,and all Métis citizens of our community.
It is with great sorrow that we receive the news of Steve, but it is also with pride that we were given the opportunity to watch and learn of all the great accomplishments that Steve created through his strength and love for all Métis people. He has truly paved the way for all Métis people to be proud of who they are and where they come from.

Lorne LaFleur
British Columbia

Our condolences to all the Powley family, thank you all for letting us have a bit of Steve while he was here. We mourn him like a brother as our nation does in these times. The sacrifice he made for many he would
never know is something to always be proud of.
Meegwich
The Métis people of the Kootenays, BC

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
-Thomas Paine

Tribute to Steve Powley

May the place you go to
Be free of disrespectful foreign governments
Who presume to interfere with the freedom
Of traditional peoples

In the name of protecting the environment that
Voracious newcomers have desecrated.
May your spirit blend harmoniously
With the realms you now inhabit.

May your search for sustenance be fruitful
And unhampered by the small-mindedness
Of the world you leave behind.
May you joyfully soar

Uplifted by the realization that the petty tyrants
Who would devour you in their bureaucratic jaws
For insisting on the right to nourish your family,
Have only managed to polish the facets

Of your dignity, courage and determination.
To all of us who have been blessed by your example
May we be soothed by the possibility
That Louis Riel will welcome
The company of a fellow
Champion of justice.

Paul Chaput

Dear Mrs. Powley and family,
On behalf of the Morrisseau family from Winnipeg, MB I would like to extend deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband, father and a true Métis warrior. At this difficult time, know that our prayers and the prayers of others will be with you and your family. You're families contribution to the Métis movement will be forever instilled in our families hearts and minds. I have attached a poem that I wrought specifically for our hero's at this time.

Thank you and take care,
Duane Morrisseau
Ottawa, ON

I have never met Mr. Powley but will be grateful to him for his fight for Métis rights. It took a lot of guts to take on the Government and win.
Ken Suitor

I never knew the gentleman but I have heard of him. My sister lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and she told me about his courageous stand. And how it took its toll on the family. Please accept my heartfelt condolances. Another good man lost.

Great Men have a special place in Heaven!

Sincerely,
Tracey Thornhill, Executive Assistant
Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC

In the Sprit of the Métis, men like Steve lived the life and walked the talk. Bravo! He will be seated in good company as he joins some of our Greatest Métis Leaders, may he hunt in peace.

Darlene Lennie, RPA
Project Advisor, Assisted Housing
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation

I'm on assignement with the Métis Nation of Alberta, originally from Human Resources Development Canada in Ottawa. I have heard alot on Steve, all good, and respect him very much! Sincere Condolences.

Nadyne Rompre
HRDC / Métis Nation of Alberta

Dear Powley Family,
I am sending you a long distance mourning. I had the opportunity to meet Steve and his wife as well as Rod and a few more of their family. As a part of one of my most memoriable parts of the MNO Métis Canoe Expedition to Fort William. It was a honour to meet Steve and his family. It has made me proud to have met the man because of the tremendous fight he has gone through for his Métis rights. When I saw the paper and his name and the win over the court case, man I was so proud to have met him and to be METIS. I thank him and his family for sticking through it all, a moment meant for history......
I am sure that he is happy and at peace with the creator. Watching over his family and the Métis Nation making sure our rights will be honoured.

I have taken a moment to recognize this courageous man. It was a pleasure to meet him, and I will always remember his kind youthful heart. I would like to thank him and his family for the warmth I had felt in the Sault when visiting this past year, on the Voyageur Canoe.....He had given me a girl pin (kinda like the one you see on the back of a truckers mud flaps) which was oh so cool and kind. The next day he came back to our camp site with the same logo but stickers for my car..Thanks for the friendship. My prayers and thoughts are with the POWLEY FAMILY.

Sincerly,
Ashley Norton
Saskatchewan

To the Powley's:
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
It was wonderful to meet him each year at the Assembly's. His victory was each and every one's (Métis) in Ontario and across the country. He will always be remebered in the people he meet and in the history books.
Joan, Perry, Bruce Griffiths & families
& Melodie, Alexis and Annie Doucette
Kenora, Ontario

We would like to send condolences to those who knew Mr. Steve Powley. Greater condolences for those who never had the opportunity! It is a very sad day in our Nation! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Powley family during this time. You will always be remembered as a modern day Hero to all of us. We will continue on the path that you took that first step on and it will be done in your honour Steve!
The Staff of the Toronto Office
Region 8 (Toronto)
Ph:(416) 977-9881 Fax: (416) 977-9911