Obituary - Curtis “Shingoose” Jonnie, October 26, 1946 ~ January 12, 2021 Please join our family in remembering a legend, and trail blazer in the North American music community. Dad passed away on Jan.12 2021 from COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me campaign has been set up by the family, with all proceeds going toward his end of life expenses. His children are in Toronto, and must keep his belongings in storage in Winnipeg, and then travel to retrieve them. His children would also like to have a special headstone made for him.  Any help is greatly appreciated by the family.  ~Obituary~

Curtis Jonnie, Ojibway from Roseau River Anishnaabe First Nation Manitoba, Treaty 1, has made his journey home to the spirit world at age 74, passing from COVID-19. He is reunited with his mother Grace Hage, and daughter Joelle Jonnie. With his dear friends Terrance, and Sarah by his side before cremation. His late best friend and comedian Charlie Hill has him up there somewhere, scheming jokes already.  Curtis is survived by his 4 children and 7 grandchildren; sons Micha Jonnie (unknown whereabouts), Elliot Peatquoam Jonnie; Daughters Nahanni Shingoose-Cagalj (Steve) and Elijah Ahzbek Jonnie, all currently residing near Toronto, ON. He is also survived by his siblings Tanis Wichmann (Steve), and Clay Hage (Cathy) and their families in the United States. There is also one other male sibling his children would be happy to hear from (unknown name). His surviving beloved grandchildren; (Micha) Gerald, Micheal, Stephanie, (Peat) Brianna, (Ahz) Darealis, (Nahanni) Sage and Ziibii; two brand new great grand-daughters, Amara and Alyx. He is pre-deceased by his five-year-old daughter, Joelle Jonnie. They are singing and dancing, forever guardian angels watching over the family. Curtis was a 60’s scoop survivor. He was adopted at age 4, in 1950 to a German Mennonite family. He spoke Anishnaabomowin for the first four years of his life, and German and English after that. At age 15, he was sent to boarding school in Nebraska, where he joined the choir. This is where he was introduced to music. He harnessed his experiences, and used his resilience as survival. Dad spoke often of the American Indian Movement, and was inspired to make social change through his song. Curtis had an amazing career in the music and arts community and left a significant legacy. He was a grass roots folk musician who trail blazed the way for Indigenous artists and musicians, being inducted to the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame in 2012, and his Grammy nomination in 2016 for his part in the album compilation, Native North America Volume 1 (defeated by Bob Dylan). Goose also played alongside, Bruce Cockburn, Winston Wuttnee, Tom Jackson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Duke Redbird, Willie Dunn, Alanis Obomsawin, and many amazing Indigenous artists. The song, Silver River was recorded in 1975, with poetry/lyrics by Duke Redbird. He and his friend and long time publicist, Sarah Peters, with Mitch Podolack, founder of the Winnipeg Folk Festival worked tirelessly promoting Indigenous music at the festival. As a roadster, Goose always stayed connected to his family through then, post cards and land line phone calls, even though often thousands of miles apart. The intergenerational effects of his lived experiences radiate through his family. Comfort is found in knowing that he was always committed to the Indian movement, resistance, and social justice through his song, often putting music to poetry written by his close friends. He sang about the earth, the waters, and in the 1980s about the lack of political changes he had seen in his life, as in his song, “Elijah,” referring to Elijah Harper and his visions for the future of Indigenous peoples and rights. He used music to share his voice with the world, leaving behind four albums, Native Country (1975), Ballad of Norval (1979), Natural Tan (1989), and T-Bird in the Lake (2007), and three comedy specials, Indian Time 1, 2 and 3 (1980’s), the first of its kind on national T.V. 30 years ago, Goose was also instrumental in the creation of the Juno Award category for Indigenous Music Album of the year, with his long time friends Elaine Bomberry and Buffy Sainte-Marie, trail blazing the way for future generations of Indigenous musicians.  Curtis was a resident of the Southeast Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, where he lived for the past decade, after his stroke left his left side paralyzed. He and several other Elders/residents and staff at the time of his death, had COVID-19. The family would like to say a special thank you to Terrance Nelson, one of Goose’s best friends, for singing in his honour at the Morris Funeral Home before his cremation on January 12. His friend Sarah was also by his side. Gchi Miigwech, for the compassion from the staff at the Southeast Personal Care Home, and to Corey for going above and beyond, at The Morris Funeral Home. Our prayers are with the other families of residents at the home, during this tragic time.  Another Gchi Miigwech to Sheldon, and the Roseau River Anishnaabe Band Council for their support and guidance.  A celebration of life will be planned once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. A zoom service at Roseau will be held on Friday January 15, by Terrance Nelson. Another special thank you to Beth Azore and her family for her support during this difficult time. The links below have been a special gift to the family.  Beth Azore on her short doc, IN A GOOD WAY, featuring Goose. "It was my chance to capture his wisdom and experience for sharing with next generations. I believe whole heartedly in its message." <a href="https://vimeo.com/255122085"><a href="https://vimeo.com/255122085" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/255122085</a></a> Beth Azore, on her re-mix music video, Mother Earth, by Goose. "The song was recorded before a live audience as part of  “Indian Time” and I added some new images to the fabric. As much (if not more) relevant today!!! He was ahead of his time, no question." <a href="https://vimeo.com/265581787"><a href="https://vimeo.com/265581787" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/265581787</a></a> Media inquiries and good ol’ stories about Goose and his legacy can be directed to Nahanni Shingoose, <a href="mailto:[email redacted]">[email redacted]</a>

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Curtis "Shingoose" Jonnie ~End of Life Expenses

Curtis "Shingoose" Jonnie ~End of Life Expenses

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