Kathleen D. MONTURE-OKANEE

KATHLEEN D. MONTURE-OKANEE It is with great sadness that Kate's family shares the news of the loss of their beautiful young woman. She passed on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at Royal University Hospital. Kate was an excellent student, an accomplished soccer player, powwow dancer, and ballerina. At age 15, she published her first piece of writing titled 'Brown Girl Dancing'. Her family believes she had so many dreams yet to fulfill. Her brothers Justin (and partner Sarah), Michael Blake and Jack miss her warm and loving smile, her laughter and her ability to care for others. Her sister Nadia will keep Kate in her heart and misses her terribly. Her adopted siblings Leonard, Leith, Lionel and Genine are saddened by this sudden loss as is her father Dennis Okanee from the Thunderchild First Nation. Her mother Dr. Patricia A. Monture is Mohawk from Grand River. She was far too young to move on to the spirit world that has been enriched with another dancing angel. In time, we pray we will come to understand the loss of the beautiful and talented young woman. For the last two and a half years, she dated Corey Soonias and he is also grief stricken by her sudden parting. Her Aunti Patti, Uncle Darrell, their daughter Tara and her family are grieving for her dancing spirit. In Saskatchewan, she has a large family and so many friends, who all loved her dearly. There are so many people who loved her and whose lives she touched, we cannot name them all. Without the assistance and cultural protocol knowledge of Winston and Bernadine Walkingbear, Kate's aunt and uncle, and Dana Soonias at Wanuskewin this journey would have much more difficult for us. Her family in Ontario, Uncles David and Michael, her grandma Dorothy, and her many other Haudenosaunee relatives shall miss the warmth and laughter she shared with them. A Memorial Service will be held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park from 1:00 to 4:00 on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. She will be resting at the Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South in London, Ontario and will be laid to rest on Friday, August 21, 2009. Arrangements in care of Kurtis Rae MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES, Saskatoon, SK (306)978-5200. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Kate Monture Memorial Fund C/O Don Worme, Barrister and Solicitor, Semaganis Worme, 300-203 Packham Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 4K5. The fund will assist young First Nations women reach their dreams who the family is also deeply indebted to.