OGIMAA JOSEPH FREDRICK HARE

OGIMAA JOSEPH FREDRICK HARE Sunrise September 23, 1939 – Sunset February 21, 2023 In loving memory of Ogimaa Joseph Fredrick Hare, 83 years old, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. He was born at his family’s log cabin in M’Chigeeng on July 23, 1939, son of the late Patrick Hare and the late Ida (Eshkibok) Hare. Joe began his life with the teachings of both his mother and father. He was taught the strong values of family, community, integrity and hard work. Joe also loved sports, he was an avid ball player and a proficient hockey player. Joe was always an entrepreneur at heart, and many believe he was born with that gift. He attended Spanish Indian Residential School graduating in 1957. He then went on to Shaw Business College in Toronto. As he completed his education, Joe found himself very involved with advancing and advocating for Anishinaabe Rights, beginning with the Indian Friendship Centre movement. He became a stalwart warrior as he fought alongside many colleagues in advancing the rights of our people and advocating for opportunities to make the lives better for all of our people. He gained relations and connections all across Turtle Island and was known to many for his steadfast belief in our people. Through his efforts, he became the inspiration and empowerment of many and to this day many stories are told about his unwavering efforts. He believed in the preservation and revitalization of our identity, language, culture and our Traditional ways. He always believed we could take care of our own and always had a special place in his heart for all people of M’Chigeeng. He was principled in his efforts and served with integrity guided by the teachings he received through Ceremonies. Joe was elected Chief of M’Chigeeng in 1979. He quickly led M’Chigeeng First Nation to gain control of education which was the first in Canada. Throughout his nine terms as Chief and five terms as Councillor, including up to the day he started his journey, he always had the people of M’Chigeeng in his heart and was dedicated to work to ensure a better future and many opportunities were gained. He was the Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians from 1994 to 1997, and Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians from 1989 to 1992. He was a founding member of Waubetek in 1986, Kenjgewin Teg in 1994, Anishinabek Nation Credit Union and most importantly and dear to his heart created the proposal “Our Children, Our Responsibility” which led to the creation of Kina Gbezhgomi in 1984. More recently he developed the concept of Gwekwaadziwin Miikan Treatment Facility which he invited the UCCMM Tribal Council Communities to be a part of. He did this as he had great compassion and saw the need to provide as much help and support to all of our people who were facing addiction. He believed that all of our people could all be well. He also led the creation of Mother Earth Renewable Energy that saw the construction of the two wind turbines in M’Chigeeng. As well as the creation of the M’Chigeeng Business Development Centre and Grocery Store. Everything he did was to serve and benefit the people of our community whom he loved the most. During the short moments he was away (but remained near) from his political life, he was an avid entrepreneur and created Indian Line Trading Post, operated the Post Office for a number of years, ran a homemade furniture store and coffee shop. He extended a helping hand and gave many people an opportunity to work and learn. Joe was a Pipe Carrier, an Elder, a Leader, a Role Model and most of all he was proud to be Anishinaabe. Joe is survived by his loving wife Susan. Proud and loving Noos of Forry, Tom, Pina, Janice and Cynthia. Proud Mishoomis of Cheyenne, Weshgad, Nyala, Sonoma, Angel and Symone. Brother to Doris (Danny) Manitowabi, Debbie Hare, Yvonne (predeceased), Mary (predeceased) and Bernard (predeceased). He also leaves behind his extended family of the community of M’Chigeeng First Nation. Joe was resting at the M’Chigeeng Community Complex from Thursday, February 23, 2023 until the Traditional funeral on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Burial at the Hare Traditional Resting Place at 11 am. The family is requesting that no cut flowers be sent. Donations can be made to the Lakeview School Immersion Program. Please share your thoughts, memories and photos at www.islandfuneralhome.ca.