The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission wishes to pay tribute to Mr. Dave Canadian, a dedicated Mohawk from Kahnawake, who devoted a significant part of his life to young athletes from his community and elsewhere. Unfortunately, he passed away in the morning of Thursday, June 28th. We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to his family and community.
Mr. Dave Canadian was very socially involved with youth and sports. Thirty years ago, he helped set up a national amateur wrestling centre in his community where he trained several generations of youth on the wrestling mats while pushing them to their limits. He was an outstanding mentor and coach at the Kahnawake Survival School from 1984 to 2006 where he won 17 wrestling championships (GMAA) as well as several provincial and national championships.
Last year, as a special advisor to Team Eastern Door and the North (EDN), he was even honoured by the Executive Council of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto in 2017 for his involvement and dedication towards the organization. He had become involved despite his declining health, yet another example of his boundless courage. Indeed, Mr. Canadian had been involved in the nine games since their inception. He always participated with a great deal of dedication in various roles, be it as a coach, chef de mission, president or vice-president of the board of directors. His involvement was such that he knew all the members of Team EDN by their names!
Throughout his entire life, even until recently, he was always able to instill passion for sport among young Mohawks and other First Nations youth, leading them to great success in many competitions. He knew how to give these young people a lot of hope while pushing them to great heights.
