Elder Emma Reelis remembered as a ‘kind soul’

People say, why do you talk about residential schools so much? It's because we don't want it to happen again. Inuk elder Emma Reelis, just weeks before her death, sharing her experience at residential school in Northwest River, Labrador, and emphasizing the value of education. Condolences are pouring in for Reelis, who died Monday, October 12th. Described as a pillar of the St. John's Urban Indigenous Community, a respected advocate who often spoke publicly about her difficult past, involved for more than three decades in the urban indigenous organization First Light, formerly the St. John's Native Friendship Centre. I think that her legacy will be kindness and leading with love. First Light Chair Blair Benoit says he'll remember Reelis' smile, daily hugs, and the way she made you feel noticed, even in a crowded room. He called Reelis an inspirational leader who made him excited to get involved. We wanted it to be open and inviting to all members of the urban indigenous community to get the support they need and be able to heal. She dealt with a lot of trauma in her life that she was open about and that she shared her experience so that other people could work through their own trauma and provide a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold. Emma provided quiet, calm, wise advice. Stanley Oliver knew Reelis for about 50 years. He grew up with her family. They were both involved in the Friendship Center movement. Oliver remembers one time, right before speaking to hundreds of people at a national meeting, Reelis pulled him aside. He said, Always remember where you come from. You have to really stand on that stage. Never forget that you're from Labrador. Reelis was born in Maine, grew up in Happy Valley Goose Bay, worked in healthcare in St. John's. She had four daughters and one son, several grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Oliver says people gravitated towards her. She naturally commanded respect, but he says she shone most when engaging the youth. Young people just seek her advice, and she's helped some young people through some pretty difficult situations in life. Today at Government House, flags at half-mast. The Lieutenant Governor and a variety of it expressing condolences. At Confederation Building, Indigenous Relations Minister Leila Evans says Reelis will be greatly missed. I've known her as a gentle, kind soul. So, you know, and she talks about her life, and she talks about the issues that she faced and how she was able to overcome many things that impact women, especially indigenous women. And for me, she used her voice in a very gentle way, but it took a lot of courage because she talked about topics that are sensitive and difficult to talk about. And it is a tremendous loss. Thank you.