Ron Indian-Mandamin izhinikaazo, Baatikamiganong zhigo Baninaan’igaate izhinikaazo gaye. Bizhiwan odoodeman. Ashagiwan odoodedeman. Born July 28, 1979, Ron passed away peacefully at his home in Iskatewizaagegan #39 on August 20, 2024.
In his 45 years, Ron lived a life rich with love, wisdom, and dedication. He was a Mide-Ogimaa, devoted Anishinaabemowin speaker, artist, teacher, singer and two-spirit knowledge keeper. From a young age, Ron embraced and shared the traditional teachings and language of his people, playing a pivotal role in reviving the Midewin ceremonies in Iskatewizaagegan. His legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to mino-bimaadiziwin. Ron was a sanctuary of warmth, offering teachings through love, kindness, humor, and joy. His influence extended far beyond his immediate family; he was a spiritual guide to many across Turtle Island.
Ron joins his beloved family and friends in the Heavens, Waakwiin! Minowaanigozigwaning, that most beautiful place of Everlasting Life among the stars. He will be greeted by his parents, Colleen Mandamin and Ron Indian as well as his grandparents Norman and Mary Indian and Margaret Blackhawk and Arnold Mandamin.
Ron is survived by his devoted sisters, Michelle Wapioke (Koda), Sandra Giordano (Jay), and Janelle Mandamin (Shakur); his family Charlene Mandamin (Randy), Gena Mandamin (Stephanie), Jamie Mandamin (Samara), Shauna Mandamin, Shaun Mandamin, Lynn Indian, Christine Chan and their families; his uncles Eric Mandamin and Robert Indian, his many cherished nieces and nephews; and his loyal fur babies Mocha, Willis, Daisy and Kitty.
In addition to his immediate family, Ron’s Midewewin relatives from across Turtle Island remain to honor his life and teachings, including Oshkaabewisag (helpers) Jason Bone, Fawn Wapioke, Richard Sky, Shannon Wesley and Chuck Branch, June and Mable Mandamin, Jye Copenace and Jolene Fontaine, Ryan and Shannon Gustafson, Cindy Piche, Kristen Mandamin, Pat Ningewance Nadeau, Aandeg Muldrew, Pat Copenace, and many others who have been touched by his spirit.
The funerary ceremony will be led by his Midewewin relatives. Wake services will begin at 12:00pm on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 at David Kejick School in Shoal Lake 39. Funeral services will be starting at 10:00am on Saturday August 24th, 2024. In accordance with traditional protocols, attendees are asked to refrain from wearing red and to have their hair pulled back.
We invite all Midewi-Anishinaabeg to assist with the ceremony. As Ron often reminded us, “These teachings belong to all of us. No one person owns these teachings; Creator loves us all.”