Mushkegowuk Council’s leadership and staff are in mourning over the passing of Louis Bird, a respected Elder from Peawanuck whose deep knowledge of the land along the Hudson Bay coast, and whose efforts to preserve Indigenous folklore and culture were legendary.

“He was a great storyteller for the people of Mushkegowuk region,” said Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Leo Friday.

Louis Bird compiled and shared stories from Elders passed down from generations.

His mission to preserve them as audio recordings made him well known.

However, Grand Chief Friday said Louis Bird also helped to raise awareness of darker periods of our history including the government’s efforts to erase Indigenous culture while disguising it as education for our children and using the treaty as a way to try to take our land from us.

Louis Bird’s passing, he added, is a regrettable loss of an Elder who held a vast resource of knowledge and information.

“Mushkegowuk Council leadership and staff are sending out their prayers, thoughts, and condolences to Louis Bird’s family and friends in Peawanuck and throughout the territory,” the Grand Chief said.