Honouring Knowledge Keeper Gilbert Kewistep
Message from Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer and Shawn Phaneuf, Interim Executive Director of First Nations & Métis Health
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Gilbert Kewistep, a man from whom so many of us in Saskatchewan health care have learned so much over the years. Gilbert was a knowledge keeper who was a member of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) First Nations & Métis Health team based at St Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. He provided cultural supports to many of our patients and families and was instrumental in the development of the Commitment to Reconciliation and flag raising in October 2016. He truly started us off on our reconciliation journey. He participated on numerous working groups and guided the SHA as a member of the Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Organ Donation and Transplantation Think Tank.
Hailing from the Saulteaux/Nakawē Linguistic group in central Saskatchewan and originally from the Yellow Quill First Nation, Gilbert lived in Saskatoon and contributed greatly to the life of the community. He was a cherished Elder, dedicated social worker, and beloved professor at First Nations University. As a survivor of both the Residential School System and the Sixties Scoop, he devoted his life to helping others heal from trauma with compassion and wisdom. His impact was profound, reaching far beyond Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.
Gilbert was a kind and humble soul – a source of strength and inspiration for all of us. His wisdom, generosity and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.
Let us honour Gilbert’s memory by embracing the values of truth and reconciliation that he held dear, and by supporting each other. Here are just a few videos so we can still hear Gilbert’s wise words:
Importance of Orange Shirt Day (2020)
Reconciliation Talk on the Importance of the Seasons (2021)
Reconciliation Saskatoon Testimonial (2017)
Rest in peace, Gilbert. We are forever grateful for the legacy you have left us.