Métis leaders reflect on ‘major loss’ of advocate and leader Louis Gardiner

Louis Gardiner, an influential leader in the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S), has passed away.

Gardiner, affectionately known as ‘Big Lou’ had been a prominent and steady leader and advocate for decades. A residential school survivor, Gardiner was at the forefront in the fight for recognition and compensation for survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School as the lead and named plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit.

Gardiner’s family announced his passing on Sunday.

“It’s a big loss. We’re going to miss him,” MN-S President Glen McCallum told Eagle Feather News.

“It’s always a struggle in regards to how far the Métis Nation has come, but the contribution of good people like Louis will leave a last legacy. We want to continue that work.”

Gardiner was vocal about his experiences as residential school, which he started attending at the age of five. He spoke openly about the loss of culture, language, and identity at the school. The class action lawsuit, filed in 2023, resulted in the single largest class action settlement by the Saskatchewan government.

Survivors or their families will receive a combined $27.3 million in experience payments. The settlement also includes a $10 million legacy fund.

Gardiner also worked in several capacities with the MN-S over his career, including as a local president, regional representative, and provincial treasurer.

“He was very thoughtful. He wasn’t loud, but you would know his presence,” said McCallum.

“That’s the kind of style we need in politics. Someone who understand things, who can do the work in a way that accomplishes things. Louis was always quiet, respectful, and thoughtful to everyone around him.”

Gardiner was also a standout hockey player. He played junior hockey for the Flin Flon Bombers, and according the McCallum, came close to making the NHL. Gardiner continued to play recreational hockey, with notable force, until his death.

“During one collision with him on the ice, I broke my hand, and he bruised his ribs. We laughed about it for years,” said McCallum.

“He built so many relationships through hockey. He was able to move players to where they got along. He helped build camaraderie between Métis, First Nation, and non-Indigenous players. It was amazing what he’s done, and to me, that’s the legacy I look at.”

Brennan Merasty, MN-S Minister of the Self-Determination, Self-Government, and Justice, said he was shocked by the news of Gardiner’s death.

“When we woke up Sunday to the news, it was shocking. We thought he was untouchable,” said Merasty. “He seemed so healthy, and was always so dedicated to hockey.”

Merasty said that Gardiner was a role model to many young people, and himself admired Gardiner’s strength of character.

“He was always a calm, cool, collected kind of guy. He never got angry. He was always positive, always upbeat,” said Merasty.

Gardiner’s legacy will long continue, said Merasty, as someone who was not afraid to stand up and fight for what he believed in.

“Our way of life, as Métis people, was being impacted by industry, by government who didn’t understand who we were. Our way of life was being impacted, and like so many other, Louis had to stand up and fight,” said Merasty.

“He always showed up. It was never just words to him. Losing Louis is a major loss to our communities.”