After being separated from his family and placed in a residential school, Percy Onabigon’s remains have been repatriated, bringing him back to Long Lake #58 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. Following a long journey that spanned various institutions due to his epilepsy and partial paralysis, Percy’s niece, Claire Onabigon, located his final resting place in Woodstock, Ontario, where he had passed away at the age of 27.
The repatriation of Percy’s remains was completed just before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. A ceremony was held to celebrate Percy’s life, featuring a pipe ceremony, speeches, and prayers. His casket was decorated with a bouquet of flowers bearing his siblings’ names, and traditional hymns were sung during the Catholic church service. Percy was interred at Long Lake’s cemetery, where people paid their respects by placing tobacco on his grave.
Born on July 17, 1938, Percy had a twin brother who died in infancy, along with two other brothers and six sisters. His family’s relentless efforts to repatriate his remains finally paid off with the support of community leaders and the Anishinabek Nation. Despite facing challenges in securing federal funding, the Ontario government eventually provided $45,000 to bring Percy home.
Percy’s journey back to Long Lake #58 covered over 1,800 kilometers, involving various locations for an autopsy, DNA analysis, and funeral arrangements. The event was attended by community members, government officials, and residential school survivors, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and rectifying the injustices of the past.
The significance of Percy’s repatriation resonated beyond his family, with calls for provincial and federal legislation to facilitate similar processes for other families seeking to bring their lost relatives home. By sharing Percy’s story and advocating for legislative changes, the hope is to pave the way for a more streamlined and respectful repatriation process in the future.
In the face of denialism and systemic racism, the Onabigon family’s perseverance serves as a beacon of hope for others seeking to repatriate their loved ones. The message of never giving up hope reverberates as a testament to the resilience and determination required to honor the memory of those impacted by the Indian residential school system.