Room at Saskatoon's Ronald McDonald House named after late northern man
- EFN Staff | May 24, 2015
Edwin Boneleye was a person dedicated to the north and his home community of Black Lake. When he was diagnosed with cancer last year, Athabasca Basin Development, Team Drilling, West Wind Aviation and Points Athabasca contributed $25,000 each for a total of $100,000 to Saskatoon’s Ronald McDonald House for a room named after Edwin in honour of his battle with cancer.
Edwin had been on the board of Athabasca Basin Development for several years and was also a Chief and Councillor at Black Lake. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer.
His name will live on at Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. The room dedicated to his name was recently filled with art by Aboriginal artists from across Saskatchewan.
“The decorating of the room and the spiritual ceremonies to bless the room were performed in honor of all those that will use the room, and will provide comfort and a sense of belonging to the Aboriginal families that will stay there. As well it will provide an education about the culture to all those that view the room,” said Glen Strong, Community Relations and Training Coordinator for Points Athabasca. “To have the Edwin Boneleye Room at the Ronald McDonald House is important to the Athabasca people, as it ensures there is a spot for the families of sick children that are hospitalized, providing them with an inexpensive alternative for accommodations.”
The northern region of the province has been the second biggest user since 1995 with over 1,400 families accessing the facility.
Art work was donated and hung in the room. Some of these items were a pair of beaded leather gauntlets hand crafted by Lena Adam of Fond du Lac and donated by Scott’s General Store in Stony Rapids. These gauntlets were framed in a display case by Points Athabasca. Other artwork depicting a Aboriginal culture or theme was donated by Westwind Aviation, Athabasca Basin Development, Team Drilling, and Cameco. Black Lake Chief and Council also donated a plaque to be hung at the head of the bed in recognition of Edwin.
“I’m happy about it that they recognized my husband,” said Helen Boneleye, Edwin’s widow. “My late husband did many things for people of the North.”
Check out more stories as part of Saskatchewan Mining Week, such as:
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- Opinion: Developing the road to Aboriginal prosperity
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- Northern leaders and Cameco share success in Ottawa
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