Sachigo Elder, Wawatay board member passes

Respected Elder Peter Barkman of Sachigo Lake passed away on Jan. 31.
Barkman was serving as an Elder member of the Wawatay Board of Directors as well as a member of the Elders Council for the Sioux Lookout Health Centre at the time of his passing.
Throughout his life Barkman provided guidance, direction, support and advocacy to various First Nations organizations in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.
He acted in the role of councilor in Sachigo Lake First Nation before the chief and band council system was enacted, and then served many terms as band council in Sachigo until his retirement in 2005.
He was also a radio broadcaster for Wawatay in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, served as a board member for Tikinagan Child and Family Services, and was Elder and Advisor to Youth Strategy Initiative, a project to promote youth empowerment through Wasaya Group Inc.
“It is with saddened hearts that we mourn the loss of Elder Peter,” said NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno. “Peter dedicated his life to the betterment of his people through his active life, and his loss will be felt across NAN territory. May God watch over his family as they grieve during this difficult time.”
A viewing was held in Sioux Lookout on Feb. 2 before Barkman’s body was flown to Sachigo Lake for a funeral on Feb. 4.