Six Nations is mourning the loss of a community leader.
Former principal and Six Nations Elected Councillor Linda Staats passed away on Feb. 27 surrounded by family and is being remembered as having lived a “marvellous life.”
Staats was an elected councillor for district five under the 52nd elected council from 2001 to 2004.
She was an avid educator in the Six Nations community, as well.
Six Nations Council said in a statement Staats was dedicated to advocating for proper education on the territory and knew the need for an education plan and strategy.
She was the founding Chief Executive Officer of Six Nations Polytechnic from 1993 to 2009.
Additionally, Staats was a principal in Northern Ontario and later the Principal of the private language immersion school Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo for several years.
“Kawenni:io/Gaywenni:yo (K/G) Immersion Elementary and High School families, students, staff, and board members send condolences to the family of Linda Staats,” said KG Chair Ruby Jacobs. “Linda served as Principal of K/G from 2014 to 2020. She accepted a call to serve as Principal after the passing of the former Principal. This was a challenging period, but Linda was able to successfully and competently navigate the school through this trying time due to her strength, knowledge, and skills as a principal, acquired over years in education. She understood the meaning of the K/G education philosophy importance to the community. Her contribution to keeping the program intact will never be forgotten and we are thankful for her service at K/G. May she rest in the arms of the creator.”
Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council expressed sympathy for the family and friends of Staats.
“We hope they are comforted and encouraged by the love surrounding them during this difficult time,” council said in a statement. “Our thoughts, prayers, and good medicine are with her loved ones as we mourn and reflect on her magnificent contributions to Six Nations throughout her marvellous life.”
Elected Chief Hill said, “We are honoured to be able to witness Linda’s work and advocacy for the Six Nations community. Her leadership and mentorship of many Six Nations families will not be forgotten. Linda’s wisdom and knowledge will live on through many generations who had the privilege to learn and be mentioned by her through their educational journeys.”
Visitation will take place at Styres Funeral Home in Ohsweken, Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023 and an evening service for all will begin at 7 p.m. The funeral will take place at the funeral home Thursday, Mar. 2 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow at Six Nations Polytechnic.
