Nishnawbe Aski Nation Mourns Passing of Beloved Elder ‘Auntie’ Helen Cromarty

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, sends heartfelt condolences and love to the Cromarty family and Sachigo Lake First Nation following the passing of beloved Elder Helen Cromarty:

“We are very saddened that our dear friend and Elder Helen Cromarty has left us and begun her journey to the Spirit World. We send our deepest condolences to her family and all those in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the Sachigo Lake community.

Helen dedicated herself to Nishnawbe Aski Nation and improving the lives of our people. She made a difference in the lives of many and we are eternally grateful for her outstanding service. She will be fondly remembered for the guidance she provided to the Executive Council over the years. Her comforting presence and traditional knowledge will be greatly missed.

Helen’s kindness and compassion made her a tremendous advocate for improving health and health care services across NAN territory. She exemplified the best of her profession, and our communities are stronger and healthier because of her efforts.

Helen was an inspiration to us all, and we cherish her life of leadership and friendship. We love her and will miss her greatly. Miigwetch to the Creator for blessing us all with our Auntie Helen.”

Helen Cromarty attended the Pelican Lake and Shingwauk Residential Schools and went on to earn an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University. She specialized in intensive care and coronary care nursing for 23 years as well as outpost nursing at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake). She served as Health Policy Analyst and Health Liaison at NAN and Special Advisor for First Nation Health at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.

Wife of the late Grand Chief Dennis Cromarty, Helen served in many capacities throughout her career and received many honours, including an Honorary Doctor of Science from Lakehead University in 2016. Her knowledge and compassion earned her the respect of leaders and health professionals across the country.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. We ask that you keep the Cromarty family and Sachigo Lake community in your prayers during the difficult days ahead.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca