Mistawasis Nehiyawak, SK — The Mistawasis Nehiyawak community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Elder William Antoine Duquette, pisim kapimohtiht (walking sun), who was born on August 2, 1930, and recently celebrated his 95th birthday. “Elder William was the oldest member of our community and a traditional, well-respected Elder whose presence and guidance will be profoundly missed. Our community will not be the same without his presence and guidance at our events. We can only continue to follow his teachings to honour his legacy,” said Chief Daryl Watson. “He was part of a generation that grew up learning our language and traditions in the home and passed that on to younger generations.”
Elder William will be remembered as a cultural leader who spoke our Cree (Plains Cree) language and raised his large family attending ceremonies and cultural gatherings. He was recently present at the STC Pow Wow in Saskatoon with his wife in September. He loved our community and our culture, and many of his family members are part of the Pow Wow community.
He was recognized as a dedicated family man who was married to his wife, Veronica, for more than 70 years. They were married in 1951 and raised 14 children together. To celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary, William and Veronica renewed their vows in the presence of family and friends in 2021. The affectionate couple shared a total of 75 years together, having been married for 74. He found joy in ceremonies, traveling, and watching the fight network. His favourite moments were spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren visiting with friends, and telling stories. He always made time to connect with family and friends by phone. William grew up in Mistawasis and on the Big River First Nation, where he attended school and met his beloved wife. He worked on bridges throughout the province in his younger years, loved making sweats, and always put family first.
The family will accompany him home on November 1st at 11 a.m. from Beau’Lac’ Funeral Home in Shellbrook to his residence. Then, at 4 p.m., they will proceed to the gym at Chief Mistawasis School for the wake in Mistawasis Nehiyawak. The funeral service is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the same location. (Chief Mistawasis School gymnasium) The family requests that no children attend the wake or funeral. They also ask that no photos of William be shared online or publicly for a year following the funeral, in accordance with tradition.