From a message by Chief Kenneth Gilpin of Eastmain:
On behalf of the members of the Cree Nation of Eastmain, I wish to inform all the Cree communities together with the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) of the passing away of one of the most respected and beloved Elders of the Cree Nation of Eastmain, Charlie Mayappo, on November 15,1998, at 12:50 a.m.
Charlie Mayappo contributed in an outstanding manner to the well-being of our community. He was one of the most committed trappers and hunters. His love and his guardianship of the land were a constant reminder to our people and particularly the youth of the most cherished value of the Cree Nation: our way of life.
Charlie Mayappo was a pillar of our society and his constant participation helped us build our administration and our community. We will miss his wisdom, his knowledge of the land, of our traditions, of our values. This is a great loss for our community.
Charlie Mayappo is survived by his wife Ellen (Mark), his sister Mary Mayappo-Weapenicappo, three sons, Roderick, Lloyd and Gordon and daughter Rita (Mayappo-Gilpin). He had 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. We ask everyone to join us in our prayers from Charlie Mayappo and his family. May he rest in peace having joined his beloved God for eternity.
