Obituary of Olive Manitopyes

Olive Manitopyes, (Askee ka pim motatak) Earth Walker Woman was born on January 28, 1936 on the Kawacatoose First Nation and her beautiful spirit was called home by the Creator on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Olive had a strong sense of community and was dedicated to serving Aboriginal people as an Elder and Board Member in a number of organizations such as the Awotaan Native Women’s Shelter, Sunrise Native Addictions Centre, Native Counseling Services, Aboriginal Head Start Program, Aboriginal Resource Centre, Ghost River Rediscovery, Calgary Board of Education, CHR Spiritual Care Services, Personal Support & Development Network, Berkana House, Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge, Four Directions, Eagle Connections Society, Seven Steps, Project 118, National Healing Project and New Directions Treatment Program. She also taught Cree at the University of Calgary and to preschoolers at Piitoayis Family School. Olive visited Aboriginal patients in Calgary hospitals offering her prayers and support, as well as volunteered at the Calgary Drop In Centre to cook and feed the homeless. She had deep respect for the cultural teachings and taught legends to young children in schools and libraries with the hope that the younger generation would learn and carry on the traditions. She was called upon often to provide opening prayers for Aboriginal Awareness Week and numerous conferences and meetings in Calgary. Olive was nominated for the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction and Chief David Crowchild Memorial Awards. In 2005, she was a recipient of the Esquao Award for her “Community Service” and was recently invited into the “Circle of Honour Elders” by the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Olive placed her faith in our Creator’s hands and firmly believed in the power of prayer. She provided inspiration and assistance to those around her, particularly women and children who were going through difficult times. She was a “mom” and “kokum” to many. Her nurturing spirit and commitment to the well being of others helped her immensely on her own healing journey. Olive was respected and embraced by the Aboriginal community. Her story telling and sense of humour will be sorely missed by son Alvin; daughters Gloria and Carrie (Darcy); sister Helen Matechuck, grandsons Blaine, Dylan, Jeremiah, Desmond, Travis, Darian, Brayden & Gabriel; granddaughters Jada, Denalene, Lanis and Chantal and nine great-grandchildren; Matechuck family, Machiskinic family, special daughters Gail, Rachel, Raven and Ingrid. She was blessed with many friends in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Saskatchewan. Olive was predeceased by her daughters Juliet and Sharon; sons Blaine and Robert; grandson Harley; husband Joseph; brothers George, Thomas, Charles, Edward; sisters Mabel, Elizabeth, Agnes and parents Mary Anne and James Matechuck. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, October 28, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, October 29, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dean Shingoose, officiating. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Olive Manitopyes, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.