The late Elder Paul William Roberts (left) at a swearing ceremony. (Submitted photo/Tammy Cook-Searson)

By larongeNOW Staff

memorial

LLRIB announces passing of respected Elder

Aug 3, 2023 | 5:12 PM

It is with great sadness and the deepest sympathy that Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) announces the passing of Elder Paul William Roberts, 72, affectionately known as Elder Bill.

He passed away Sunday evening at the Elder Catherine Charles Long-term Care home after battling multiple illnesses.

In a public release issued Thursday, the LLRIB noted Elder Bill was a band councillor for two terms, first along with then Chief Venne Myles in 1985, and with Chief Harry D. Cook in 1987. He also served the Band Council of Elders for several years, representing the community of Grandmother’s Bay.

Elder Bill was ‘one of those who returned home’ after graduating from the infamous Prince Albert Indian Residential School. The school was one among many such institutions in Canada where Indigenous students were forbidden to practice their traditional ways or speak their language.

On his return to his Indigenous roots, Elder Bill joined the band administration in La Ronge and worked in various departments, including Housing. Originally from Stanley Mission, Elder Bill lived in various places before settling in Grandmother’s Bay.

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“Bill’s life was an inspiration; he was a fighter and a mentor,” Chief Tammy Cook-Searson stated.

“Despite the hardships he endured at the residential school, he chose to return to his Woodland Cree roots and serve the community, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. His contributions to band’s self-governance and his wisdom have been widely beneficial to the membership. Bill will be deeply missed.”

The wake for Elder Bill will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, while the funeral will be on Friday starting at 4 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com