Metis leader laid to rest on settlement

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A big part of Paddle Prairies culture has been laid to rest.

Albert Wanuch, a long-time resident of the community, passed away Aug. 11 at the age of 63. Wanuch had a sincere desire to stand up for Metis people. His life centered around them.

He was born at Carcajou, on the edge of Paddle Prairie settlement - where he spent most of his life - just prior to Christmas in the winter of 1927.

His formative years took in what the world knows as the "Dirty 30s." These were the years when his fellow Metis people endured especially hard times. Living through these years and watching the hard times Metis people lived through was one of the reasons Wanuch became interested in working for his people.

For years he served as Paddle Prairies's chairman. His spirit will live on in the many reminders he left for his people.

One of his major contributions is the family he left behind: wife Florence, his three sons and their wives John and Jull Gaudet, Garry and Marilyn Gaudet and Ray and Nola Wanuch, along with his daughter Debbie and husband Brian Callihan. Wanuch also leaves behind 12 grandchildren along with his four brothers and three sisters.

His interests were far-reaching. He was heavily involved with the Federation of Metis Settlements and was selected recently to represent Paddle on the Metis Appeals Tribunal about to become law this summer.

He was also a board member for Windspeaker newspaper and once operated a grocery store in Paddle Prairie.

He lived a rich life, which spanned the era, which saw the creation of the Metis Association of Alberta and the eight Metis settlements, and the following decades which led up to the creation of new laws promising a secure future for his fellow settlers.

Northern Alberta's Metis people are proud of his achievements.

The funeral was held on Thursday, Aug 16 at 2 p.m. at Christ the King Church, Paddle Prairie. Father Charlie O.M.I. officiated. Internment followed at Paddle Prairie Cemetery.