Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Sends Condolences to the Family of Elder Frank Beardy

Elder Frank Beardy’s work has always been based on the importance of culture, language of the Anishinaabe people and their world view. These values still mattered to him deeply as he continued to be active with Anishinaabe organizations until his passing on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

During his career, Frank served the Anishinaabe people in many leadership positions, including Chief of Muskrat Dam First Nation, executive director of NNEC and a leader in political treaty organizations at the provincial and national levels. Frank was actively involved with the Chiefs’ Negotiating Committee working toward the amalgamation of the federal and provincial hospitals in Sioux Lookout, culminating in the 1997, Sioux Lookout Four Party Hospital Services Agreement, which resulted in the creation of the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre. Frank served as co-chair on the board from 2005 to 2011.

In January 2013, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Frank Beardy, former co-chair of the board of directors for the SLMHC was given a plaque and appointed co-chair emeritus, for his contributions to the governance of the health centre.

Sol Mamakwa, board co-chair said, “On behalf of the board members of the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, we will miss Frank and we will remember him with deep gratitude and appreciation for his leadership on the board. He taught us many valuable lessons about what it takes to lead an organization and to realize a people’s dream. We also extend our sympathies to all community residents of Muskrat Dam First Nation.”

“We, on behalf of the board and staff, extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Elder Frank Beardy, and we will carry with us the many teachings and advice he shared with us as we continue our journey toward becoming a Centre of Excellence,” added Dave Murray, President & CEO of Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.”

For more information, please contact:
Dave Murray, President & CEO
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre
Telephone: 807-737-3030