Memorial Service for Robert Bigtrack
August 26, 2016
Garden River Community Center, Garden River, Ontario
Over 100 people from across the Bawating Area ("Place of the Rapids") and beyond, gathered on Friday, August 26, 2016, to honor the life of Robert Bigtrack. People traveled from Michigan and across Canada, including Alberta and B.C., to share in the celebration hosted by Bigtracks family and friends from the Batchawana and Garden River First Nations.
Bigtrack walked on, Friday, August 19, 2016, at his home on the Rankin Reserve. A sacred fire was lit next to his sweat lodge there and tended by friends and family for four days as many gathered to prepare to send Bigtrack home to Spirit Lake, North Dakota, where he was born on April 23, 1951.
Bigtrack was ceremoniously prepared by the family. Son and daughter Nathan and Sandy Pomber, Brother and Sister in-law, Gerald and Bonnie Fry and niece, Violet LaPointe, all assiststed Bigtrack’s widow, Wendy Bigtrack.
On the day of the ceremony, a sacred fire was lit outside the Community Center and tended by firekeepers Clifford Waboose and helpers.
The log rafters of Community Center were hung with the American, Canadian and POW/MIA flags in honor of Bigtracks 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. The Marine Corps flag hung at the front alter, with the flowers, cedar branches, family photos and other personal items that flanked Bigtrack’s ashes.
The Celebration of Life began with a Commemorative Service by the Royal Canadian Legion, which included the Act of Remembrance, a bugler playing the Last Post, and the presentation of a wreath and a symbolic poppy to the family.
Master of Ceremonies Don Waboose gave teachings and shared stories of Bigtrack’s life, as did several others that were gathered. Bigtracks influence in his community was evident as many accounts of this man’s journey on the Red Road were told. A pipe ceremony followed with 7 pipe carriers participating. Singers that, over the years had played at Powwows and celebrations with Bigtrack, gathered at the big drum to honor him in prayers and song. The women’s groups White Thunder Singers and Healing Lodge Singers followed next, their beautiful voices raised in song. The 2 ½ hr. life celebration was then followed by a large feast for all.
After the ceremony, Emerson Riel and Cal Burnside began the 800 mile journey to carry Bigtrack home.
The family would like to thank everyone who sent prayers, condolences and shared in Bigtrack’s life and his final celebration ceremony. Miigwech go the Royal Canadian Legion, Harvey Bell and to the band offices of Rankin and Garden River for all their assistance with arrangements. A heartfelt Chi Miigwech to the staff from the Sault Area Hospital, who have helped to care for Wendy, Bigtrack and family over the years. He is loved by many and will be missed until we meet him again in the spirit world. Taŋyáŋ ománi Bigtrack.
