Peter Indian May 22, 1947 - February 5, 2025

With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Peter Indian, who passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre. A devoted family man, friend and knowledge keeper, he lived a life grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

The teaching of Love came naturally to Peter. Although he never had any children of his own, he had many nieces, nephews and cousins who he adored and cared for. He was a generous man, sharing many of his resources and time with all who needed it. Also holding a very special place in his heart was his mother, who he lived with and cared for in her old age.

Peter lived the teaching of Truth by being committed to the Anishinabe way of life. He proudly spoke the Anishabemowin language, attended many ceremonies and sat at the drum during powwows and events in his community of Migisi Sahgaigan.

Respect is a teaching Peter took very seriously, showing great care for the land and admiration for all the beings that call it home. He was never one to speak poorly of others and rarely engaged in any sort of conflict.

Humility was shown by Peter in the simple way he lived. A roaring fire, CBC radio and warm flannel jacket was all he needed to feel content. While the world hurried around him, Peter enjoyed the quiet, sitting peacefully at his kitchen table with a lit Export A Green between his fingers.

Peter was rich in the teaching of Wisdom. Throughout his life, he gathered many teachings about Anishinabe culture, ceremonies and language. He shared them freely, and was a very patient and forgiving teacher.

Honesty was a teaching Peter valued through hard work and being industrious. He kept a clean home and well groomed yard. In his younger years, he was a builder of homes, worked the CN Rail and was an accomplished fishing guide.

Peter learnt the teaching of Courage early on in life. As a boy he was taken away from his family, friends and community to attend the St. Marys Residential School in Kenora, Ontario. And during the final days of his life, Peter battled his illness bravely until he was ready to leave to join his ancestors.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Peter Indian Sr, sisters, Shesheb Elizabeth and Shelia, brothers, Mark and Cree, niece, Diane and great nephew, Matthew Zoccole. He will be sorely missed by his sister, Effie Zoccole, nieces, Terri Zoccole and Martha Green, nephew, Owen Zoccole, as well as great nephews and nieces, Michael, Cody, Jaimee, Chris and Aaryn, along with great great niece and nephew Hazen and Hailyn. Peter also leaves behind many nephews and nieces of Migisi Sahgaigan who loved him as “their uncle.”