ROBYN MEDICINE Obituary

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Robyn Medicine on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Robyn was born on December 21, 1989. Robyn belonged to the "Makwa" (Bear) clan and her Anishinaabe name was Aandaawemo Makoons. Robyn is survived by her brother Steven, sister Heather, nieces Serenity, Serianne (Avaria), Stephanie, Shannon, and Kyrah, nephews Steven Jr., Evan, William Jr., and Trystyan, boyfriend Sarge, as well as numerous other family members. She was the beloved daughter of Glendoris Medicine (baa) and Dave Williams and was raised lovingly by Douglas McDonald (baa). Robyn grew up in Thunder Bay and was a long-term resident of the city, but she was originally from Manitou Rapids, also known as Rainy River First Nation. She was a band member of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, located near Fort Frances, Ontario, on Treaty 3 Territory. Robyn was a beautiful, strong, and talented woman. Many saw her as a leader who took on challenges with courage and quiet power. She took pride in her culture, involving herself in traditional ceremonies and events, while sharing with others the teachings that gave her strength. Friends remember Robyn inviting them to powwows, sharing bannock, and teaching them about traditional medicines. She enjoyed fishing, traveling, reading, watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, listening to Shawn Desman, singing and dancing, the arts, and doing a range of crafts, including beading and sewing. Robyn anticipated family gatherings with extra excitement, and everyone who knew her remembers how deeply she cared for her family, whom she talked about with love and reverence. She had a generous heart and a protective spirit, aiding anyone she could. As a leader of reconciliation in Thunder Bay, Robyn devoted her career to bridging gaps, solving complex problems, and cultivating understanding among Indigenous persons, non-Indigenous persons, and public institutions and organizations. Through this work, Robyn became a trailblazer in the city. Most recently, Robyn served as Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations at the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL), where she worked for nearly a decade. During this time, Robyn helped establish Indigenous Knowledge Centres across all branches at the TBPL, the creation of which would have been impossible without the contributions of Elders and community members, connecting people in the city through this knowledge. She was instrumental in the TBPL's Stories of Anishinaabe Resilience project, which aimed to increase awareness and commemorate the history and legacy of St. Joseph's Residential School, while also honouring all residential school survivors, their families, and their communities. Robyn assisted in setting up an Indigenous Author Series at the library, bringing seminal Indigenous writers and thinkers to Thunder Bay from a range of First Nations, and instituted the library's Indigenous Advisory Council, the first in Ontario. Across her life's work, Robyn always placed youth at the forefront. As Robyn wrote in The Chronicle-Journal in 2017, "Our youth are our future leaders. They deserve our love and attention as they are relying upon us to keep them safe. Our youth need us to be strong. It is time we work together. We shall unite like never before." A most protective, generous soul has now entered the spirit world and is on her way home. As a family, we have lost a wonderful sister, aunt, niece, partner, and best friend. We will remember her always and miss her dearly. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S. Saturday, February 22, 2025, the traditional burial starts at 10:00 am in Mitaanjigamiing First Nation with Elder Tommy Councillor officiating.

On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com