Elder Elie Fleury was a well-known educator in northern Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
northern educator

Northlands College announces passing of respected Métis Elder

Oct 25, 2023 | 4:50 PM

Métis Elder Elie Fleury, a dedicated advocate of northern educational self-determination, cultures and language, has passed away.

His passing was announced on Wednesday by Northlands College, where Fleury served as the institution’s Elder-in-Residence. In honour of Elder Fleury, the college’s flags will be at half-mast.

Fleury was educated at the University of Manitoba and began teaching in that province in 1960. He taught at several northern communities for a while, before accepting a job as a superintendent of education for the Northern School Board (Northern Lights School Division) based in Prince Alert in 1976. Fleury spent a time working for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations as well, and he moved to La Ronge in 1996.

In 1998, Fleury accepted a job as a director with the Northern Teacher Education Program until his retirement in 2010. He spent a period of time substitute teaching, before agreeing to join the staff at Northlands College.

In February 2020, Northlands College opened the Elie Fleury Cultural Centre at La Ronge’s Canoe Campus in his honour. This last weekend, Elder Fleury was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Metal on behalf of the Honorable Russell Mirasty, Lt. Governor of Saskatchewan.

The funeral for Elder Fleury will be held next week in Prince Albert with more details to follow. His family would like to invite members of the tri-communities for prayers at La Ronge’s St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

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