Northlands College announces passing of respected Métis Elder

Métis Elder Elie Fleury, a dedicated advocate of northern educational self-determination, cultures and language, has passed away.

His passing was announced on Wednesday by Northlands College, where Fleury served as the institution’s Elder-in-Residence. In honour of Elder Fleury, the college’s flags will be at half-mast.

Fleury was educated at the University of Manitoba and began teaching in that province in 1960. He taught at several northern communities for a while, before accepting a job as a superintendent of education for the Northern School Board (Northern Lights School Division) based in Prince Alert in 1976. Fleury spent a time working for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations as well, and he moved to La Ronge in 1996.

In 1998, Fleury accepted a job as a director with the Northern Teacher Education Program until his retirement in 2010. He spent a period of time substitute teaching, before agreeing to join the staff at Northlands College.