In Loving Memory:
Patricia Rose Cyr (better known as Gail Cyr)
December 24, 1952 – December 3, 2024
Message of Condolence From the Chief and Council of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ms. Patricia Rose “Gail” Cyr, a cherished citizen of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Gail was a trailblazer, a relentless advocate for Indigenous peoples, and a proud Iskwew whose life was defined by her unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and community service.
Over her remarkable career, Gail broke barriers as the first Executive Director of the NWT Native Court Workers Association, a five-term as City Councillor in Yellowknife, and an advocate for women’s and human rights. Her contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada.
Gail’s strength, resilience, and love for her people were unmatched. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of compassion, leadership, and service. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. May her journey forward be as impactful as her time here with us was.
Rest peacefully, Gail. Your light will forever guide us.
Chief and Council Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Info compiled from various sources by Elder/Cousin L. Gail Gossfeld-McDonald:
Another beloved Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation citizen, Ms. Gail Cyr, 71, of Yellowknife, NWT, has passed away. Born in 1952, she was one of the few babies delivered at the old nursing station. She was one of seven precious children of the late WWII/Korean veteran John Charles Spence and his wife, Jane Eva.
Sincere condolences are extended to the Wheeler/Cyr/Spence family who are left to mourn: her son Jesse Wheeler and stepson Stewart Wheeler, two half-sisters (names unknown); her sister Darlene Ashley and family in Winnipeg; her sister Sarah (Sally) Dupuis-Kydd and family in Saskatoon, Sask.; other siblings including Juliette, Margo, and Wellington (whereabouts unknown); and her NCN relatives, including Uncle James Spence and family, along with many other Spence family members, friends, and cousins.
Gail was predeceased by her mother, Jane Eva, in 1987, and her father, John Charles Spence, in 2006. She was also predeceased by her husband, Dr. Ross Wheeler, in 2012; her brother Edward in 1993; by her aunt Juliette Pieroni, and her sisters Mary Anne Spence, Christina (Russell) Gossfeld, and Matilda Spence. Additional family members who predeceased her include her sister-in-law Gloria Spence, uncles George Spence, Walter Spence, Wellington (Madeline) Spence, Henry (Lena) Spence, and Solomon Spence; her brother Louie Spence; and other relatives.
Gail was one of many taken during the 1960s Sixties Scoop. She and her siblings were apprehended at a young age and placed in foster care. Like many others raised in non-Indigenous families, Gail endured significant hardships but overcame numerous obstacles to live an astonishing life. These early experiences shaped her into the woman, mother, sister, friend, cousin, advocate, and activist she became.
In 1974, seeking change and employment, she moved to Yellowknife, NWT, where she remained for the next 50 years, leaving an indelible mark. During this time, she flourished, made countless friends and acquaintances, and achieved remarkable accomplishments. She worked tirelessly to attain “Mitho pimatisiwin”—a good life. Gail was a relentless advocate for Northern Indigenous peoples and women, a proud Iskwew (woman), and was widely known, loved, and respected for her courage, strength, knowledge, and unwavering dedication.
While in Yellowknife, Gail immersed herself in the community and held various roles. She was a bartender, an administrative assistant for Community Development with the Indian Brotherhood of the NWT in 1974-75, the first Executive Director of the NWT Native Court Workers Association from 1974-1985, and served five terms as the only Indigenous Councillor for Yellowknife’s City Council from 1984-1994. She later became a Legislative and Political Development Advisor and Chief Municipal Elections Officer with the NWT Government (1995-2006), a Special Advisor to the Minister Responsible for Women in the NWT Government (2007-2014), and the executive director of the Native Women’s Association in 2015. She was also an appointed member of the NWT Human Rights Commission.
Beyond her professional life, Gail volunteered extensively, including with St. John Ambulance as a First Aid and Medical Responder, with the local arts community, and other organizations in the Yellowknife area.
In the summer of 2019, with the support of her Nation and the Family and Community Wellness Centre, Gail and her sisters Darlene and Sarah (Sally) were reunited. They took a memorable train trip to Thompson and Nisichawayasihk, marking the first time Gail met her sister Darlene and other family members from the community. It was a joyful, emotional reunion filled with introductions, conversations, gatherings, feasts, laughter, and tears. Gail was vibrant, talkative, and jovial, with a contagious smile and laugh.
Throughout her life, Gail received numerous honors and awards. In 2012, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her voluntary service and training of responders. In 2013, she was recognized with an Indspire Award for Public Service. In June 2015, she received the Chair’s Commendation for exemplary service to advance the cause of the Order of St. John. In 2022, she was invested into the Order of Canada by Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall for her tireless work with people and communities. However, the greatest honor anyone can receive is the love, respect, and admiration of their children, associates, family, and community—a legacy Gail clearly achieved, as evident from the many heartfelt messages and condolences shared on social media.
In 2018, Gail was appointed to the NWT Human Rights Commission, where she remained a valued member until her passing. She was also a Director and President of the Yellowknife Seniors’ Society. As Devon Tredinnick noted in a recent article, “Gail dedicated her life to championing justice and equality, making lasting contributions to the social and political landscape of the Northwest Territories.” NWT Government Minister Lucy Kuptana also reflected, stating, “Gail’s legacy of service, advocacy, and compassion will not be forgotten.”
A celebration of Gail’s life will be held at Yellowknife’s Northern Arts and Cultural Centre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, and will be live-streamed via the Cabin Radio website. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Native Women’s Association of the NWT.
It is now time for Gail to rest peacefully and journey on. We are proud of all she gave to the world and the profound difference she made in the lives of so many.
