THUNDER BAY – Aboriginal Now – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo offered the following statement on the passing of respected elder and leader Joe Morrison:
“First Nations lost a tremendous and inspiring leader this past week. As we mourn the passing of Joe Morrison, we reflect on his many contributions to the Treaty #3 Nation, and First Nations and Indigenous Peoples right across this country.
Joe Morrison will be remembered as a strong leader and advocate for his people and all First Nations throughout his life and set an example by overcoming many challenges along his path to achieve great success.
A citizen of the Anishinaabe Nation, Joe Morrison led an accomplished life including serving in the military overseas. He led the civil rights movement in Treaty #3 to eliminate racial discrimination against his people. He acted as an incredibly strong voice, on behalf of the Friendship Centre movement, to support the most vulnerable community members in urban settings, and also positively influenced many lives in his role as a Justice of the Peace.
Joe Morrison was a deeply spiritual man, who graciously passed along his teachings and traditional ways to many, including his work with the Powwow Club that travelled and brought hope across the Treaty #3 territory. Today, on behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to his loving wife Mary Alice Smith and daughter Danielle, his friends and family, and the people of Treaty #3. You are in our prayers. Yet we are reassured that the legacy of Joe Morrison will live on and continue to inspire generations yet to come. ”