THUNDER BAY – “Dan dedicated his life to his people, primarily as a champion of sports and recreation among the youth,” said NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno. “It is with heavy hearts we mourn the loss of a great and respected leader, and we ask God to watch over his family and help them grieve through this difficult time.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) offered its condolences to the family and community of Kashechewan First Nation on the passing of former NAN Deputy Grand Chief Dan Kooses. Mr. Kooses passed away yesterday after battling a lengthy illness.
Mr. Kooses was born on September 30, 1953, in Kashechewan First Nation. He had a long political life serving first as a councillor in Kashechewan, then as Chief for five terms in the 1980s and 1990s, and then as NAN Deputy Grand Chief from 2000-2006. Mr. Kooses was also one of the founders of Grand Council Treaty #9 in the early 1970s, and helped to establish the Mushkegowuk Council in the late 1980s.
[pullquote] “Dan dedicated his life to his people, primarily as a champion of sports and recreation among the youth,” said NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno. “It is with heavy hearts we mourn the loss of a great and respected leader, and we ask God to watch over his family and help them grieve through this difficult time.” [/pullquote]
Mr. Kooses was active with the youth in Kashechewan as a hockey coach. He coached the James Bay Eagles, Wolves and Braves. He was known for taking the teams to Little NHL tournaments in Sudbury, where his team would always come home with the tournament cup. He worked hard to always get funding for sports and recreation initiatives in the community. Mr. Kooses also completed four years of Sundancing, and was a pipe carrier at ceremonies.
At a tribute dinner in May for Mr. Kooses he said, “You can never go wrong when you do something for a youth because they are the future.”
He is survived by his wife Terri, three children (Jenesse, Taylor, and Tamara), and nine grandchildren (Stanford, Zack Jr., Sierra, Daniel, Dallas, Tie, Blake, Owen, and Carter).
Visitation will take place in Timmins on Tuesday at the Miron-Wilson Funeral home on 150 Balsam Street South from 4-6 pm, with a prayer service following from 7-9pm. The family will hold a special service open to the public from 6-9pm on Wednesday at the Francine J. Wesley Secondary School in Kashechewan First Nation. Another visitation will take place at the school Thursday from 10am-noon. A service will commence at noon at the school, with internment to follow.