NAN Mourns Passing of Arlene Slipperjack, Long-serving Chief of Whitewater Lake First Nation

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, shares heartfelt condolences on the passing of long-serving Whitewater Lake First Nation Chief Arlene Slipperjack:

“We are very saddened with the news this weekend that our dear colleague Chief Arlene Slipperjack has begun her journey to the Spirit World. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, Council, and the entire community of Whitewater Lake First Nation.

Having served as Chief for many consecutive terms, Arlene was a calm and determined leader who looked for every opportunity to improve life for the members of her community. She had a deep connection to the land, having been born in Whitewater Lake like her father’s father, great-grandfather, and mother’s family.

She led her community through several evacuations due to threats from wildfires, and was a strong advocate for the protection of Whitewater Lake First Nation’s traditional territory from mining and other forms of resource development.

Arlene’s dedication to her community was matched by her compassion for her people. We will cherish her life of leadership and friendship and do everything we can to support her family and the community during the difficult days ahead.”

Chief Slipperjack fought for formal recognition of Whitewater Lake and the protection of its territory from provincial legislation affecting resource development and land use planning. She also served for many years as a member of the NAN Chiefs’ Finance Committee.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. We ask that you keep the Slipperjack family and community of Whitewater Lake First Nation in your prayers.

Whitewater Lake First Nation is a remote Ojibway community located on Whitewater Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park, approximately 70 kilometres northwest of Armstrong, Ontario.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca