MISSISSAUGA (March 19, 2015 ) – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, along with Little Native Hockey League tournament organizers express their deepest condolences to the Red Rock First Nation families who lost their loved ones yesterday while travelling home from the tournament in Mississauga.
One of the three fatalities was Bantam player 13 year-old Ember Wynne. She was picked up for this year’s tournament by the Atikameksheng Eagles.
The Atikameksheng Eagles team staff says, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of our defensemen #19, Ember Wynne. Ember was a great addition to our team and she connected with all the girls.”
Ember herself had said to coaching staff after winning their second game while beaming ear-to-ear: “This is such a great day!”
The Atikameksheng Hockey Association sends their condolences to the family.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “The kids play their best, have fun, make friends and then something like this happens.”
Little NHL Co-host communities Chief Patsy Corbiere of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation and Chief Shining Turtle of Whitefish River First Nation both say their thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
Little NHL Vice-President Chico Ralf, in charge of the girls division, says his heart goes out to the families.
The theme of the 44th Annual Little Native Hockey League tournament is “We are all Stars” and saw 178 teams participate. The Little NHL is built on the foundation of Sportsmanship, Citizenship, Education and Respect.
The West Parry Sound OPP reported that at approximately 8:19pm on March 18, a van exiting Highway 529 in Magnetawan First Nation drove into the path of a tractor trailer on Highway 69. The driver, William Tuck, 71 from Lake Helen First Nation and passengers 13 year-old Ember Wynne and three month-old Myah Kowtiash both from Red Rock died of their injuries. Two passengers from the van were also transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
