D’Arcy Noah Linklater
Kamunitowe Pemohtet
(Spiritwalker)

May 30, 1950 to August 9, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of D’Arcy Noah Linklater – a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-in-law, Friend, Kehtiyatis (Elder), Nehetho Knowledge Keeper, member of the Wapiski Mahekun Clan. D’Arcy leaves to mourn his passing – his beloved wife Lorraine and their children Trevor, Darcy Jr., Tyson, Candace and their families, his son Darrell Beardy and daughter Fonda Berard and their families, his siblings Terry (Diane) Linklater, Christine (Randy) Sawatsky, Sophia Linklater, Anthony Linklater (Ella), Jacob Linklater (Harriet), Georgina Hart (Duncan), Lena Moose (Emile) and their families, his sisters and brothers-in-law Emma Hunter-Nelson, Agnes Ranson, Belinda Wastesicoot, Florence Hunter, Johnny Hunter, Howard Hunter (Bonnie), Clifford Hunter (Carol), Cynthia Hunter, Colleen Hunter, Jennifer Hunter, Bradley Hunter and their families as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. D’Arcy was pre-deceased by his son Garth and his parents Joseph and Elsie Linklater, his grandparents Mathew and Nancy Linklater (who raised him), his sister Bella Hart and his brothers Ralph George Linklater, Cornelius Linklater, Ronald Linklater, Roger Linklater.

D’Arcy was born at the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and spent his early years here. He was sent to residential school in Portage la Prairie but returned home as soon as he could. He worked hard his entire life as a trapper, miner, construction worker, Fur Manager with Manitoba Conservation and Director of Operations and translator for Nisichawayasi Nehethowuk Okemawin (NCN Government). He was one of NCN’s longest serving elected leaders. He was a great speaker, an influential and courageous leader. He fought tirelessly locally, provincially, nationally and internationally to preserve and restore our lands, our waters, Nehethowewin (our language), Nehetho culture, our spirituality and ceremonies. He was a man of integrity, strong beliefs and a great sense of humor. He was an athlete and loved canoe racing, dog mushing, snowshoeing, jogging, hockey, broomball and most sports.

D’Arcy was instrumental in all major negotiations and initiatives undertaken by NCN over the past two decades. His advocacy and negotiation skills helped in securing many important provisions in our agreements and documents – consultation protocols for future hydro development in the 1996 NFA Implementation Agreement, expanding our land base through the Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement, taking control of our education and election processes, inclusion of Ethinisewin and our other customary laws in the Wuskwatim Project Development Agreement, development of a unique Heritage Agreement, Aski-Pumenikiwin (land code) and Othasowewin (constitution). He was a lifelong, passionate advocate for self-determination and self-government for our people. He represented our Nation on many boards and committees. He understood change was needed for Kwayaskonikiwin (reconciliation) but that it was not just our people who needed to change. He fought tirelessly for our beliefs, our knowledge and our ceremonies to be treated with respect. He was a great teacher and shared his knowledge with many.

Although D’Arcy’s health has been failing over the past few years, he continued to show courage in the face of adversity. He passed away at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg but will be journeying home to N’tuskenan (our sacred lands) shortly. We will be forever grateful for the important legacy he has left us – pride in our Nation and who we are as Nisichawayasi Nehethowuk.

The procession to bring our beloved D’Arcy home will commence at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 14, 2022 from the Boardman Funeral Home in Thompson to the Gilbert McDonald Arena. Family and friends are welcome to join us. The wake service will then be held from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am followed by the celebration of D’Arcy’s life on Monday, August 15, 2022 starting at 1:00 pm. Both events will take place at the Gilbert McDonald Arena. If desired, donations may be made to an organization or charity of your choice.

The family acknowledges and gives thanks for the care the staff at the Health Sciences Centre, Thompson General Hospital and the NCN Personal Care Home provided to D’Arcy. It was greatly appreciated.

We ask Kiche-Manitou and Mawe-mostuwakunak (spirits who care for and protect us) to help D’Arcy on his journey to the spirit world and to continue to help guide his family, friends and our community during this difficult time.