MPP Mamakwa’s statement in memory of John Cutfeet, Queen’s Park’s Anishininiimowin interpreter

SIOUX LOOKOUT – Earlier this week, we were informed that John Cutfeet, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Anishininiimowin interpreter, suddenly passed away. Ontario NDP Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa, who worked closely with Mr. Cutfeet to make history and deliver a speech at the Ontario’s legislature in an Indigenous language, released the following statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of John Cutfeet. John was an incredible part of our community at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, as well as Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), where he served as the councillor responsible for lands and environment from 1999 to 2007.

“Most importantly, John was a friend. He brought knowledge and a thoughtful perspective into every project he took on. He was passionate about watershed protection and land conservation and valued practicing his way of life as an Anisininew person, including living off the land. I was lucky to serve on several boards with him, and to see firsthand how much he cared about improving access to culturally respectful healthcare for First Nations in Kiiwetinoong.

“When the Legislative Assembly of Ontario changed the standing orders to allow Indigenous languages to be officially spoken in the Chamber, John made history as an integral part of the team that interpreted the first speech in an Indigenous language (Anishininiimowin) to all of Ontario. Since that day, he has continued to support interpretation and translation into syllabics at the Legislature.

“The impact of John’s contributions to preserving the language and the ways of living will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on across Ontario.”