On Tuesday night, Randy arrived with his son and sister by charter plane. Earlier that evening, his cousins had started the sacred fire with a pipe ceremony. The fire burns for four days. We experienced a small earthquake. There were eagles sighted, and a small bear gamboled on the ice across the channel. It was a true start to the funeral proceedings. When Randy arrived, he was brought by Cree canoe across the river by his relatives, and received by his community and family at the landing.
Yesterday, the family service was held at the Ecolodge website for the Ecolodge. People spoke of Randy's personal impact on their lives. People spoke about his integrity and tireless efforts to implement a vision that is revolutionary for his community. People spoke of how he made his plans reality. People cried, and people sang. Family members visited and reminisced.
The Ecolodge is a very real testament to Randy's efforts.This building is absolutely beautiful, in a place where there is no real other accommodation beyond a 1 star (or perhaps no star) small inn. To me, this is beyond the stars. All the details in our room are handcrafted. The toilet roll holder is cast iron and hand-made. The trimming around the TV case is made with tamarack branches. The furniture is the same. The lampshades are all thematic and handmade. The blankets on the bed were specially made by a particular provider. The food is well-made. The fireplace in the lobby is made from local rocks and old fossils. There are composting toilets in a few rooms - if only to prove it can be done well. The floors are polished and clean, and as we have to remove shoes once in the lodge, we feel at home and cozy. We are welcomed in to the common area as family. Our view is of the beautiful Moose River, and the small shifting islands between Moose Factory and Moosonee on the other side of the river. The air carries a northern smell I cannot describe. It is a smell carried by winds from the north. It is a sweet smell. This Ecolodge, down to the smallest details of what soap to use, is the manifestation of the vision of the Mocreebec people and their late leader, Chief Randy Kapashesit.
A canvas teepee was raised for the sacred fire. It is a beautiful and meditative place. Randy's women relatives had laid down balsam boughs in a thick carpet around the fire. Cedar and tobacco are in bags for offerings. There is a smudge bowl.
I find myself returning to the fire again and again to contemplate Randy, his role and influence in my life and how to carry on his work now that he has passed. Everyone is welcome to join the firekeeper for a visit, to share about Randy, to sing and drum if the spirit takes you, or to just sit or relax by the fire.
Today, the community funeral was at noon. Dignitaries and former colleagues gave their farewells and the family said their last words. After, we shared in a community feast in honour of Randy.
Tomorrow, the sacred fire will be closed.
Randy's death was a shock. However, his funeral rites were rich in love from his large and loving family, and his many friends and colleagues.
Randy will be missed, but his work carries on in each one of us who makes that commitment.
Farewell Randy. May your dreams come true.
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