Andrew Big Canoe

Andrew Big Canoe (August 19, 1938 – December 29, 2023

On December 29, 2023, Andrew Delisle Big Canoe passed peacefully in his home on Georgina Island First Nation. Andrew was a Chief, and Councillor for the First Nation, He was a proud Boilermaker for over 60 years. He was a storyteller, knowledge keeper, historian and knew the genealogy of his community, great lakes region.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janet-baa, his brother Charles Big Canoe and his sister Wanda Big Canoe. He is survived by his children Andrew (Julie), Danielle (Johnny) and Christa (Jason); his grandchildren Marisa (Dave), Sara (Ryan), Mariah (Stevie), Paris, John, Giizhik, Frankie, Brady and great grandkids Audi, Logan, Amaya and Casey and his siblings Albert (Ann) and Lorraine (Martin) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Andrew’s ability to make people laugh, listen and care will be missed. He was a great speaker and man of wisdom. His love, passion, and ability to teach and share our stories was integral to connecting families and bringing people together to celebrate our culture and history. He cared about Anishinaabe and cultural ways and worked to invigorate them through awareness, advocacy, and old fashion “getting it done” in any position he held.

Traditional Anishinaabe Ceremony is ongoing on Andrew’s Property. His feast will be before sundown on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the sacred fire. A memorial will be held at the Georgina Island community hall on Wednesday, January 3^rd at 1:30 p.m.

Andrew wanted to ensure that if anyone is generous enough to make a donation in his memory that it is for the benefit of an Indigenous organization that prioritizes healing and on the land programming for families, and survivors. Therefore we are asking if you do want to make a donation to please make it to Aboriginal Legal Services by visiting https://www.aboriginallegal.ca/ways-to-give.html in the private message field please include “Andrew Big Canoe Memorial Miigwewin” so that funding can be dedicated to victim services and on the land programing.