Arnold Michael Frederick Cachagee passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday July 15, 2023, at the age of 83. Survived by his adoring wife Elaine Cachagee & the late Marlene Cachagee. Father of Dean (Joan), Larry (late Claudette), Karen (Fred), Michael, Lisa (Rob) & Lavinna. Son of the late Margaret & Howard Cachagee. Brother to the late Charles (Sonny), Marjorie – our family matriarch (Roy), late James, Johnny, late Clarence (Abby), Ernie, late Frances, late Mary, Queenie, late Frederick (Chuckie) & Elmer. Grandfather to Matt, Mark, Candice, Jennifer, Vanessa, Tiffanee, Kristina, Vincent Jr., Deanna, Cayne, Caleb, Michael Jr., Dylan, Travis, Isaiah & Noah. Great Grandfather to Rylie Jr., Maisy, Tucker, Kellin, Marek, Mavrek, Matias, Robbie, Ryker & 2 expecting great granddaughters. Uncle to many nephews & nieces.
He was a survivor of the Indian Residential school system which he was taken away at an early age of 4 and stayed in the Residential school system till he was 16. He became a certified automobile mechanic for 30 + plus years and then decided to go back to university to pursue his education at Algoma Shingwaulk University. He received his Honours Degree in Political Science, he graduated at the age of 55. Mike became the first Indian Residential School survivor to graduate from Algoma Shingwaulk University.
Arnold (Mike) had many life accomplishments which impacted thousands of people across this country. After graduating from Algoma, he went on to work for Algoma Shingwaulk University, there here went onto Confederation College where he became the Dean of Native Studies. He worked as a Political Advisor to the Nishnawbe Aski – Nation (NAN). After following his long journey back home, he became Chief of his First Nation – Chapleau Cree First Nation. He had a strong vision to come back home and make a difference in his community. He wanted to go back home where his roots where, where his family lives, where his parents were, where those children who he grew up with. Chapleau was his home.
The next part of his life was to work for the Children of Shingwaulk. He became a strong advocate for the residential school survivors, he wanted to give them a voice. His journey took him to the Federal level, where he became an instrumental part into the Apology of the Residential School system. His vision was clear, he wanted the survivors to take action, be heard, and be on the road to Truth & Reconciliation.
His work only began, he worked tirelessly on forming the Ontario Indian Residential School Survivors Society. He wanted his people to help his own people. The development of OIRSSS became a strong part in the process to help survivors have their truth heard, be proud, and keep the survivors’ vision strong. He was on his own journey of Truth & Reconciliation. He was a survivor.
He was a hockey coach, guitarist, an artist, loved his country music, loved stock car racing, darn good hockey player, a mentor, a big brother, he taught us how to skate, ride bikes, throw a baseball, but most all he was a good father. He was our HERO.
A family & close friends’ ceremony will be held from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Garden River Community Center. The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday July 19, 2023, from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. at the Garden River First Nation, Community Hall, Garden River, Ontario, Highway 17B. A luncheon will be provided.
In lie of flowers, donations may be made to ARCH – SSM in honour of our Father.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.