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AARON THERRIAULT
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AARON THERRIAULT Obituary
AARON THERRIAULT - Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit) August 19, 1964 - March 14, 2026
Aaron Therriault, Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit), began his journey to the Spirit World on March 14, 2026, passing away unexpectedly while on vacation in Punta Cana.
Born on August 19, 1964, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Aaron was from Aroland First Nation. He made Thunder Bay his home in 1983, where he built a life grounded in family, community, and culture.
Aaron had been involved with Indigenous culture all of his life and recalls participating in ceremonies as early as the age of seven. This lifelong connection shaped his path as a knowledge carrier, spiritual advisor, and Elder, guiding his teachings, ceremonial work, and advocacy for Anishinaabe language and traditions.
Aaron attended Confederation College, where he trained as a welder and pipefitter. He remained deeply connected to the college throughout his life, sharing his teachings, kindness, and spirit with students, staff, and faculty. He brought the Big Drum and ceremony to the campus, creating meaningful spaces for connection, learning, and cultural practice. His presence, storytelling, and songs touched many lives and will be forever remembered.
After graduating, Aaron worked at Superior Trailers and held various roles before founding his own company, Arowood Timber. Later, he shifted his focus toward helping others, working with Nodin as a mental health counsellor, offering compassion, understanding, and support to many.
Aaron devoted his life to connecting with people and helping communities. He was often called upon to support individuals, organizations, and communities through the Thunder Spirit drum offering singing, drumming, ceremony, teachings, and guidance. As a host drum, he traveled to many pow wows and gatherings across the region and beyond. For Aaron, the pow wow circle was more than a cultural space it was family, community, and home. Within the circle, he shared song, prayer, and teaching, carrying forward the spirit and traditions of his people, and forming deep bonds with everyone who joined him there. Those who met him often said he made everyone feel seen, valued, and supported, and he touched the lives of many through his generosity, wisdom, and presence.
Aaron served on the Thunder Bay Police Service Elders Council, where he provided guidance and led Gawendum Gaakina Awaya ("Protect Everyone and Everything") Reconciliation Training. Recently, he shared his teachings through teaching circles with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to learn from him.
He shared his knowledge, culture, and ceremonial teachings widely across the community, including with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, St. Joseph's Care Group (N'Doo'owe Binesi), ONWA, Confederation College, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Anishinaabe Mushkiki, and Ka-Na-Chi-Hih.
Those who knew Aaron often described his teachings and songs as medicine arriving exactly when needed. He led by presence rather than spotlight, embodying true leadership: unwavering, humble, and devoted to his people. Through his teachings, he encouraged people to stay connected to their identity, culture, and community.
At the hospital, Aaron could often be seen walking the halls with a smile, carrying his drum. He supported patients alongside the Spiritual Care team, sitting with many at the end of their lives and helping them begin their journey to the Spirit World. His compassion brought comfort to both patients and their families.
One of his greatest gifts was the sharing of Anishinaabe names through ceremony, laying a foundation for healing and moving forward in a good way. These teachings and gifts will continue to guide future generations.
Aaron's greatest love was his family. He loved deeply and unconditionally, and he was a proud and devoted husband and father. He was not only a father to his children but a guiding presence to others who were blessed to call him Dad. His family was at the center of his life, and he carried that love into everything he did. He especially cherished his annual family vacations to Florida, which were a time for laughter, connection, and creating lasting memories.
Aaron also enjoyed life's adventures and had a special passion for sports cars. These were just a few of the ways he embraced life and found joy. As a pillar of his family, he cared deeply for his siblings, offering support and a steady presence in their lives.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 32 years, Monique Turpin, his children Aaron Jr. (Jessi), Lexus, Jade, and Annishii, and his foster children Cheya, Cheyne, and Cheyd. He is also survived by his mother Cecilia, his sisters Betsy (Tony), Cleo (Richard), Queenie (John), and Cathy, his brother Reggie; his Aunt Effie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
He was predeceased by his father Johnny Therriault, his brother Lawrence Therriault, his grandparents, Felix and Madeline Therriault, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Aaron walked gently, helped freely, and lived in a good way. His presence, teachings, and songs will continue to resonate with all who knew him. A Sacred Fire was held for four days as a spiritual offering, a beacon to the Creator to guide Aaron's spirit home, honoring his life according to Anishinaabe ceremony and tradition. He will be deeply missed, and his spirit will continue to live on in every life he touched especially in the pow wow circle that he cherished as family.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all who have supported them during this time. Chi Meegwetch to Aroland First Nation, ONWA, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Matawa, Thunder Bay Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police, Jessi, Audrey Deroy, Fire Keepers Jade, Lexus, Aaron Jr., Sean Stevens, and Tecumseh, as well as helpers Keewaten and Yooie.Special thanks to Jan Ritchie and Bob Simon for the pipe ceremony and bringing their traditional eagle staffs, and to all family, friends, and colleagues who brought food, drinks, medicines, and shared songs and memories. The family also extends their heartfelt appreciation to Terry Fiddler and Sam Ancheenpinskum for the closing ceremony, and to Anna Betty Anchneepiniskum for her support.
Funeral Services for Aaron will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Cremation will follow. Visitation and a Wake will be held on Friday evening (TONIGHT) from 5:00pm until 9:00pm in the Chapel.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
Aaron Therriault, Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit), began his journey to the Spirit World on March 14, 2026, passing away unexpectedly while on vacation in Punta Cana.
Born on August 19, 1964, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Aaron was from Aroland First Nation. He made Thunder Bay his home in 1983, where he built a life grounded in family, community, and culture.
Aaron had been involved with Indigenous culture all of his life and recalls participating in ceremonies as early as the age of seven. This lifelong connection shaped his path as a knowledge carrier, spiritual advisor, and Elder, guiding his teachings, ceremonial work, and advocacy for Anishinaabe language and traditions.
Aaron attended Confederation College, where he trained as a welder and pipefitter. He remained deeply connected to the college throughout his life, sharing his teachings, kindness, and spirit with students, staff, and faculty. He brought the Big Drum and ceremony to the campus, creating meaningful spaces for connection, learning, and cultural practice. His presence, storytelling, and songs touched many lives and will be forever remembered.
After graduating, Aaron worked at Superior Trailers and held various roles before founding his own company, Arowood Timber. Later, he shifted his focus toward helping others, working with Nodin as a mental health counsellor, offering compassion, understanding, and support to many.
Aaron devoted his life to connecting with people and helping communities. He was often called upon to support individuals, organizations, and communities through the Thunder Spirit drum offering singing, drumming, ceremony, teachings, and guidance. As a host drum, he traveled to many pow wows and gatherings across the region and beyond. For Aaron, the pow wow circle was more than a cultural space it was family, community, and home. Within the circle, he shared song, prayer, and teaching, carrying forward the spirit and traditions of his people, and forming deep bonds with everyone who joined him there. Those who met him often said he made everyone feel seen, valued, and supported, and he touched the lives of many through his generosity, wisdom, and presence.
Aaron served on the Thunder Bay Police Service Elders Council, where he provided guidance and led Gawendum Gaakina Awaya ("Protect Everyone and Everything") Reconciliation Training. Recently, he shared his teachings through teaching circles with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to learn from him.
He shared his knowledge, culture, and ceremonial teachings widely across the community, including with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, St. Joseph's Care Group (N'Doo'owe Binesi), ONWA, Confederation College, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Anishinaabe Mushkiki, and Ka-Na-Chi-Hih.
Those who knew Aaron often described his teachings and songs as medicine arriving exactly when needed. He led by presence rather than spotlight, embodying true leadership: unwavering, humble, and devoted to his people. Through his teachings, he encouraged people to stay connected to their identity, culture, and community.
At the hospital, Aaron could often be seen walking the halls with a smile, carrying his drum. He supported patients alongside the Spiritual Care team, sitting with many at the end of their lives and helping them begin their journey to the Spirit World. His compassion brought comfort to both patients and their families.
One of his greatest gifts was the sharing of Anishinaabe names through ceremony, laying a foundation for healing and moving forward in a good way. These teachings and gifts will continue to guide future generations.
Aaron's greatest love was his family. He loved deeply and unconditionally, and he was a proud and devoted husband and father. He was not only a father to his children but a guiding presence to others who were blessed to call him Dad. His family was at the center of his life, and he carried that love into everything he did. He especially cherished his annual family vacations to Florida, which were a time for laughter, connection, and creating lasting memories.
Aaron also enjoyed life's adventures and had a special passion for sports cars. These were just a few of the ways he embraced life and found joy. As a pillar of his family, he cared deeply for his siblings, offering support and a steady presence in their lives.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 32 years, Monique Turpin, his children Aaron Jr. (Jessi), Lexus, Jade, and Annishii, and his foster children Cheya, Cheyne, and Cheyd. He is also survived by his mother Cecilia, his sisters Betsy (Tony), Cleo (Richard), Queenie (John), and Cathy, his brother Reggie; his Aunt Effie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
He was predeceased by his father Johnny Therriault, his brother Lawrence Therriault, his grandparents, Felix and Madeline Therriault, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Aaron walked gently, helped freely, and lived in a good way. His presence, teachings, and songs will continue to resonate with all who knew him. A Sacred Fire was held for four days as a spiritual offering, a beacon to the Creator to guide Aaron's spirit home, honoring his life according to Anishinaabe ceremony and tradition. He will be deeply missed, and his spirit will continue to live on in every life he touched especially in the pow wow circle that he cherished as family.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all who have supported them during this time. Chi Meegwetch to Aroland First Nation, ONWA, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Matawa, Thunder Bay Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police, Jessi, Audrey Deroy, Fire Keepers Jade, Lexus, Aaron Jr., Sean Stevens, and Tecumseh, as well as helpers Keewaten and Yooie.Special thanks to Jan Ritchie and Bob Simon for the pipe ceremony and bringing their traditional eagle staffs, and to all family, friends, and colleagues who brought food, drinks, medicines, and shared songs and memories. The family also extends their heartfelt appreciation to Terry Fiddler and Sam Ancheenpinskum for the closing ceremony, and to Anna Betty Anchneepiniskum for her support.
Funeral Services for Aaron will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Cremation will follow. Visitation and a Wake will be held on Friday evening (TONIGHT) from 5:00pm until 9:00pm in the Chapel.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Mar. 27, 2026.
Memories and Condolences
for AARON THERRIAULT
Sponsored by Everest Funeral Chapel The Westfort Chapel.
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Nikki Puurula
Earlier today
I am so sorry you're going through this. My heart is with you Monique.
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