A former Saugeen First Nation Chief and Grand Council Chief for the Anishinabek Nation has passed away.
According to a social media post from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Vernon Roote passed away Aug. 4.
He was Chief of the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation in 1994, and Wiikwemkoong says he was very active in advocacy for the Anishinabek Nation in the 1990s and 2000s.
He later became Deputy Grand Council Chief in 1996, and was elected Grand Council Chief from 1999 to 2002.
Recently elected Chief of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Greg Nadjiwon says when he first had his go at Chief eight years ago, he depended on Roote as a mentor.
“I used to refer to him as my esteemed elder, I used to call him up weekly and made it a habit to have breakfast at least two times a month where we would discuss community agendas. When I was looking for recommendations on some of the issues, I would phone him and ask for his assistance and would ask him where he was at, what he thought I should do to help find a resolution to issues. He was always there, I loved the man,” says Nadjiwon.
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory says a sacred fire has been lit for Roote in his community of Saugeen First Nation.