Danny Musqua Obituary, Death –
Elder Danny Musqua’s passing has been deeply felt by those in the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC). Our hearts go out to his loved ones and all those at Keeseekoose First Nation who knew and worked with him. Treaty Commissioner David Arnott had Elder Musqua work in his office as a resident Elder, and Elder Musqua’s contributions have had a major impact on the way we view Treaties. The words of Elder Musqua, written on the office wall in September 1997, continue to serve as a beacon for our efforts.
A covenant is a relationship between three parties: the Crown (representing the United Kingdom), myself (representing the First Nations), and God (representing the Creator).” “We formed a covenant with Her Majesty’s government. Musqua, the Elder, also made a big difference at Canada’s First Nations University (formerly the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College). Both the BISW and the U of S ITEP programs benefited from his presence as an Elder-in-residence, during which time he led cultural discussions and led traditional activities.
In 1995, the University of Saskatchewan, where Elder Musqua had previously taught, awarded him an honorary degree. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations named him Citizen of the Year, and he was a band councillor for the Keeseekoose First Nation. The Bear Clan’s Wisdom as Told to Saulteaux Elder is one collection of his words that has been written down. Saulteaux Elder Danny Musqua and the Seven Fires: The Never-Ending Cycle of Personal Development Mr. Danny Musqua
Elder Musqua married Thelma Musqua, a native of the Waywayseecappo Reserve. In addition to their 12 children, they also raised a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A product of Roy Musqua and Nellie Brass, he was their son. Elder Musqua has claimed several times that his father and uncle John Tootoosis were his biggest influences. He was born into a family that is both intellectually and emotionally well off.
They educated me on the Treaty’s spirit and goal as well as its meaning. They instilled in me a sense of national pride and a remembrance of our treaty with the British Crown. I took their advice and continued my education on Treaty matters. My uncle was a great teacher because he stressed the need of empathy and charity. He overcome the trauma he experienced at residential schools and went on to dedicate his life to helping others. Mary Culbertson, Saskatchewan’s Treaty Commissioner, remarked, “He did it with dignity.”