Roy Napish December 8, 1950 - January 14, 2025

Roy Napish Sr. “Niiganawaydong” Atik Doodem

December 8, 1950 – January 14, 2025

A life well-lived came to a close on January 14th, 2025 as Roy Napish passed away peacefully at the Dryden Regional Health Centre, surrounded by family and friends.

Roy was born on December 8th, 1950 to parents Joseph and Laura Napish. Roy was the youngest of eight children and spent the first years of his life in his home community, Migisi Sahgaigan. At the age of 7, Roy was sent to St. Marys Residential School in Kenora, Ontario. Attending the school deeply affected him, the effects would resonate throughout his life, leading him on a lifelong journey of healing and preservation of the Anishinabe way of life.

Throughout his 74 years, Roy gathered teachings, songs and ceremonies and safeguarded them to be passed down to further generations. Whether at the drum, in a sweat lodge or sharing circle, he provided a safe, inclusive and supportive space for all to learn and grow. In contrast to his soft and gentle side, Roy was fierce in the political arena, advocating for Indigenous rights and issues. He challenged the confines of the Indian Act, spoke to the importance of the treaties and called out the injustices done to his people. In his later years, Roy could be found at the Eagle Lake Band Office telling stories and jokes, attending his 12&12/Footprints AA meeting or sharing teachings and songs in another far off community.

He will be sorely missed by his daughters Alison and Winter Napish, Eva Pitchenese, Pauline Wesley, adoptive daughters

Linda and Rochelle, son Roy Napish Jr, son in law, Kristian, grandchildren Miranda, Christina, Sydney, Madison, Emily and Thunder, sister in laws, Barb and Melvina Pitchenese, as well as numerous other family and friends. Although he may no longer be with us, we are comforted that he will be reunited with his parents, son Aaron, siblings, Robert, Wilfred, Tony, Bessie, Margaret, Mary and Cecillia, and of course the love of his life, Betty.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Cook, nurses and staff of Dryden Regional Health Centre, Alzheimer Society Of Kenora/Rainy River Districts, Eagle Lake Health Centre and Migisi Sahgaigan for their care and support of Roy.