''WARRIOR MOTHER N WOUNDED KNEE VETERAN''

Wiarton Echo — Arriaga: Katherine Winona. Peacefully at the Lion's Head Hospital on Thursday, June 30th, 2005. Winona (Jones) Arriaga of Cape Croker in her 84th year. Beloved wife of the late Francis Joaquin (Frank) Arriaga and by her first husband, the late Clarence Russell Elliott. Survived by daughter Carleen Elliott and her son Arthur 'Butch' Elliott and his wife Germaine all of Cape Croker and two step-daughters Sandra Weisenbaugh and Lana Tetreau. Also survived by 13 grandchildren Victoria, Donald, Vivian, Veronica, John, Tina, Mandy, Mario, Joaquin, Beedahsega, Geewadin, Budweodung, Winona; 17 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Sister of Irene Johnston and Ida Hannah. Special friend to Jimmy Syvelick and Dawn Mayo. Predeceased by her parents Arthur Jones and Elizabeth LaValley, 4 children Eulah, Infant Emerson, Arleta, infant Emmaline, 2 sisters Mary Johnston, Pearline Elliott, and one brother Stanley Jones. Winona was the first Aboriginal baby born at the Victoria Hospital in London. She was raised at Cape Croker and received her schooling at the Cape Croker stone schools before marrying Clarence Elliott who passed away in 1953. Winona then moved to Detroit, Michigan with her children where she met and married Francis Arriaga. During her years in Detroit, Winona became a friend of Bill W. and she began her life-long spiritual journey, a keeper of the culture and the Ojibway language. She was a strong activist and support to many Aboriginal causes beginning as a founding member of the Associated Indians of Detroit, and a member of the Centre for Indian Scholars. Winona was a member of the American Indian Movement and a spiritual guide for the Detroit Chapter of AIM. She was a recognized Veteran of the 1973 occupation at Wounded Knee in South Dakota. Winona was the only woman on the Indian Ecumenical Conference Steering Committee and she traveled extensively across the United States and Canada for Aboriginal issues. Winona was a presiding Elder for the Toronto Indian Centre, and a visiting Elder to Georgian College in Owen Sound. For many years, Winona and Francis enjoyed their summer home at Cape Croker on the property of Bertha Jones. Following the death of her beloved husband Francis, Winona returned home to Cape Croker in 1994. A respected Elder, Winona will be sadly missed by the members of the Cape Croker community who often called on her for Ojibway prayers and guidance. Twenty five years ago, as a keeper of the tradition, Winona re-established the Ghost Feast for the community and was supported all those years by the Cheebaukwaewuk - Erma Akiwenzie, Lila Johnston, Marina Fox, Beth Stadelbaurer and the late Rose Nadjiwon. In her later years, many people added to the quality of her life. Special thanks to Dr. John Van Dorp and his office staff, the Wiarton Hospital staff and technicians, the Golden Dawn Seniors Home in Lion's Head, and to many people especially Darlene Weichel, Terry and Martin Optekamp, Cheryl Jones and the Nawash Home Makers program, and the Cape Croker Fire Dept. First Response Team. The family received friends at the Cape Croker Community Centre, where there was a Sacred Fire, from noon on Friday until the time of service on Monday July 4th, 2005 at 10:00 AM at the Community Centre. Interment in Little Port Elgin Cemetery, Cape Croker. Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the George Funeral Home, Wiarton. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.georgefuneralhome.com