Richard WAGAMESE

Your books were incredible and should be part of the English curriculum in canadian schools!

Your memory will live on forever ! Thank u for your powerful words that will be your everlasting legacy
May u rest in peace!!
My deepest condolences to all your family

I just read Indian Horse and was deeply moved. I am sorry to see that he is not still in this world to share more stories, but I honor this one and deeply appreciate him. His images evoke landscape I experienced on long canoe trips. Cynthia, Nashua, NH Land of the Nashuway

Richard,I only heard of you because of the movie that is coming out in April 2018 of your book Indian Horse.I picked up that book yesterday; after reading it I will move on to your collection of books you published which I will gladly read and learn from.In my Mohawk family I had an aunt and uncle go through the residential school system.From your works which i anticipate to read,my only wish is that you were still amongst us physically but spiritually is what remains in each of your published works.Thank you.

Chi meegwich, Richard for pouring your heart and soul into your writing. Your teachings will stay with me forever. I want to say that I wish I had known you, but I feel like I did meet you through your stories. Safe travels, my friend.

thank you richard for all you have and continue to share with this world. your spirit lives on through your words and your presence is felt as a healing force for many.

Your books came from a hard place, but you softened them with your heart and talent. Thank you, teacher.

Such wonderful writing. And redemptive.

I'm so sorry I just found out today, my heart is shattered. It's not fair, he was such a beautiful soul and so funny , so kind. Some people just leave an everlasting foot print in your heart, and Richard was one of those people. I'll never forget your kindness to me Richard, may we meet again in the spirit world my friend, love from Ammanda Barber

There is no way to adequately convey my profound gratitude for your words, your stories, for opening your soul to the world and gifting us with raw human frailty and love. I have just finished reading my first, of your many works, Medicine Walk. I couldn't put it down! It felt like your spirit was there in every word, actual palpable spirit! Your life, your work, your passion are calls to bravery, to the guts required to be vulnerable and honed in to what matters: the essence of what it means to be human. For that I am so very grateful! You are a true poet who stands forth and says what needs saying. May your soul continue to live amongst us, teaching, inspiring, making us individually, more evolved.

Richard - I have admired you for years, and even paid extensive tribute to you in my book about Sundancing with the Canadian Ojibwa ("Dncing for the Fat Lady") and gave you the last pages in my chapter on PTSD. Thank you, Richard. I learned a great deal from you and I regret that we have not yet met... soon. We have lost from this earth a great human being. My respects to your family. Ray Drake, Ph.D. "doctor Ray"

Miss you Uncle Richard...our family story is not over...younger generation will heal with your empowerment and teachings..miigwetch.

While sitting in the sunshine with the wind blowing in the trees I feel Richard still lives amongst us as I read his words. I am currently reading "For Joshua" and Richard is sharing so much of what he has learned in this life. His life was a gift to all of us through his gift of storytelling. He lives in so many hearts and will never be forgotten. May his loved ones find peace in knowing how much he was loved by so many.

A special person, a special face, someone you all loved and can never be replaced.
After reading Runaway Dreams, I think of you as I walk in nature.
Thanks.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Wagamese. His gift of words brought joy, sorrow and amazement into my life. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May you walk in peace with the Ancestors, Richard.

So profoundly affected by the loss of Richard. We have shared the gift of Richards books, his heart rending truths, amongst family & friends. What a beautiful human being! Condolences to the family.

Richard, over the years your writing spoke to me, touched my soul, and I never wash dishes now without remembering how you wrote of the healing power of a simple chore. Your spirit may soar like eagles but your soul will always be firmly rooted in Mother Earth. My sincere condolences to your loved ones.

Journey well old friend. I wish this country had done as much for you, as you have done for it. When people talk to me about you, I just say - Yeah, Richard, he was beautiful...

My students and I were so saddened to hear of Richard's passing - at the very moment that we are reading Indian Horse. Our deepest condolences.

His legacy - the gift of story - will live on through his inspirational work and its impact on current and future generations. My students wanted to share their thoughts on Richard and on Indian Horse:

"beautifully written Indian Horse"
"talent of his engaging writing"
"giving a voice to people"
"given us a better understanding of Indigenous cultures"
"develop sympathy for the indigenous community as well as gain awareness"
"impacted by the horrors of residential schools"
"increased interest and concern for Indigenous rights and culture"
"encourage people to help families heal"
"changed my whole outlook on Canada"
"helped others learn, grow, and follow his footsteps to make a better future"
"the promise of hope in a time when we really need it"
"point of view of someone with such powerful experience as an indigenous person"
"you have done the world a huge favour by sharing memories that will never fade"
"your books and words reflect the kind of person you were, which was extraordinary"
"left this world too soon"

Because of the great things this man did, now in my Grade 11 English class we are covering First Nations people, the Indian Act, and the horrors of the residential schools. Thank you for opening so many people's eyes with your words. You will always be remembered for the advancement and awareness you brought to this important topic. Rest in peace Richard, and my best wishes to his family.

R.I.P. Buffalo Cloud.

I never knew you but your words touched me and I feel so sad about your passing. My sympathy to all your family and friends

Barbara gale
Whitehorse

I began reading Richards books about ten years ago! I first read Indian Horse and then moved onto all the rest. Band loved every one! He was the first aboriginal writer I really encountered and from then on I viewed all sboriginal situations thru his lens. I am so very sad he has gone. He was one upstanding Canadian.

Sincere condolences to the family. A man whose talent was beyond this world, has passed and we will miss him forever.Richard had a gift of personalizing stories allowing them to captivate and move us beyond our worlds. He connected us with humanity; no judgement no ridicule only kindness and love. He reminded us of our abilities through his gentle humble nature. I attended one of his writers retreats in 2012 and it was an out of this world experience.. Travel well my friend, and we know you will be in our hearts, always Hugs XXOO

Like so many, your words and stories have left a legacy of hope and love carved forever in my heart. Your Earth walk was a difficult one. May your time with the Ancestors be one of wonder, joy and continued love. Sending thoughts of comfort to your family and your Yvette.

I have written an entry already. I would just like to extend condolences to his family, relatives, friends, acquaintances. I feel the sorrow of the loss and hope you all well. I'm sure he has made you all very proud and has touched all your lives with his presence. Guaranteed he will leave a lasting legacy to many people.

Condolences again to all.

Best Regards,
Brian Rank

My sincere condolence to the family, travel well Richard and do ur writing in the skyward.I am so happy that i got to be a part of the movie of Indian Horse!! We love you! Baamaa pii

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I have just over the last year discovered Richard as an author. More recently have been moved by his writing. His writing truly prolific and has the ability to move people in a positive way regarding life. I wish I would have discovered about him sooner and missed the opportunity to see him in Calgary. I can say that he will definitely leave a lasting legacy. Somehow his writing has a way of touching people. His humanity reflected in his writing brings a universal voice and somehow reaches out to everyone. Countless people will be transformed as a result. His writing was truly a gift. He will be sadly missed by many I'm sure and his writing will be an enduring legacy as a prolific writer who has touched many lives.

Rest In Peace Richard
I wish I knew you

His spirit soars freely now, his heart rests lightly. His legacy left in words, changes, lives ever slightly. No matter the pace, daily he led us from darkness, by the masses forward into the light. His work finished for now...

My sincerest condolences to the family. He truly was an amazing person. I hope the memories of having him in your life will help to ease the pain of your loss.

Journey well to the ancestors my spirit brother.