Audrey Soldier

Audrey Wilma Soldier

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our matriarch, Audrey Wilma Soldier, on October 10, 2022 at 77 years old.

Audrey leaves to mourn her beloved husband of 60 years, Fred Soldier, their eight children: Linda, Carrie (Ken), Denice (Allan), Norman (Joanne), Janet, Debra (Kevin), Dwayne (Julie), Joanne (Reil), 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Sisters Gloria Jean and Karen, and brother Jeff.

She was predeceased by parents Edna Esquash (Tanner) and George Esquash, brothers Wayne Schneider and Richard Goosen, grandchildren Tyler Meeches and Samantha McKinney.

Mom was born in Swan Lake First Nation on January 17, 1945. She came from a strong line of Ojibwe people with relations in Turtle Mountain Chippewa, North Dakota, and the White Earth Ojibwe, Northern Minnesota. She attended Sandy Bay Indian Residential School and Assiniboia Indian Residential School into her teen years. Despite the negative experiences, she always recognized the importance of an education.

After being a stay-at-home mom and working at the Lorne Memorial Hospital in Swan Lake for a few years, Mom took on the challenge of obtaining her hairdressing license then opened a small shop in her home. She developed a loyal clientele who often traveled miles to see her.

In 1979, she started her teaching career by first becoming a Teacher’s Assistant while maintaining the hair salon and taking care of her children. In 1981, she entered the Program for the Education of Native Teachers (PENT) at Brandon University. Over the next eight years, she attended university in the Spring and Summer sessions, then taught at Indian Springs School in the Fall and Winter. There were many times she wanted to quit but persevered and obtained her Bachelor of Education in 1989.

Mom taught different levels over the past 53 years. Most recently, the Ojibwe language at Indian Springs School up to 3 times a week. She carried the fire for our original language, and often created fun games such as Ojibwe Bingo to help students retain her teachings. All current and former students have beautiful memories of her classes. She wasn’t Mrs. Soldier to them, she was “Audrey” “Aud” “Aunty Aud”. A sign of love and respect.

Mom had beautiful penmanship, created colourful drawings, and loved a good crossword puzzle. You can often find her sitting at the kitchen table doing one or the other. We are blessed as a family to have pages upon pages of the Ojibwe language written in her handwriting, and pages upon pages of her drawings.

We wish to thank everyone for their condolences and the sending of food. It is beautiful to see how many lives she has touched. Thank you to Swan Lake First Nation for their continued support during this difficult time.

Miigwetch to Dave Scott and Joyce Hobson for their guidance and ensuring traditional ceremonial protocol is carried. It is greatly appreciated.

Pallbearers Grandsons: Chris Soldier, Brendan Meeches, Jordan McKay, Blake Perswain, Frankie Desjarlais, and Brian McKinney Jr.

Traditional Wake to be held at Swan Lake First Nation Community Hall at 4:00 PM, Friday, October 14th.

Traditional feast and ceremony at Swan Lake First Nation Community Hall at Noon, Saturday, October 15th.

Interment to be held at Swan Lake First Nation Cemetery at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 15th.