It is with profound sadness, deep sorrow and much love that the family of Ernest Simpson Bussidor, announce his peaceful passing on January 27, 2024 at the age of 67. Ernie was a respected elder of Tadoule Lake, Manitoba

Ernie was born in Churchill, Manitoba on July 21, 1956 and raised by his Grandparents Peter and Mary Bussidor. Growing up as a young man, Ernie taught himself to play the hand drum among many other hobbies and talents. Ernie was never without his drum and welcomed any invitation to share it. At the age of eighteen, Ernie and his family relocated to Tadoule Lake, Manitoba where he called home.

Ernie started his own family and had four beautiful children with Ila Bussidor. They shared 30 years together with their children.

Ernie served the Sayisi Dene First Nation for many terms as Chief. Ernie was an advocate for Dene Gatherings, and the rights of the Dene Nations North of 60. He was instrumental in achieving recognition by Canada and Manitoba on the unjust relocation of the Sayisi Dene to Churchill. It was Ernie's love of the land, the culture, and the caribou that helped launch the Seal River Watershed Alliance and advanced the Nation's shared vision to create an indigenous Protected Area.

Ernie was an active Board Member of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Managment Board (BQCMB) since 2017. Ernie was respected for his thoughtful and passionate contributions to the board's mandate discussions and actions. His advice was sage and welcomed by board members. He had a poetic way of describing the challenges facing the caribou, often weaving stories passed down from his Elders. He also often recalled the forced relocation of his people to Churchill in the 1950's and the tragic consequences. Ernie carried these painful memories throughout his life but found healing in spending time on the land and through using his voice and the caribou drum.

Ernie was one of the many who created the winter road to and from Tadoule Lake in the early 90's. Ernie was an active Ranger and community leader in hand games and drum songs to ensure the Dene tradition remains vibrant in his community of Tadoule Lake, Manitoba.

He loved to head on to the lake every day to hunt and fish, bringing friends and youth along with him. One of his favourite places to be was his cabin, where he found comfort and solace in the tranquility of the land around him. Ernie was very active in the community, advocating for the children and youth to pursue education as he did throughout his life. He took on providing transportation as the community bus driver. Above all the love he had for his community, he loved his grandchildren the most. Ernie will be remembered for his kindness, guidance, teachings and stories that he provided to everyone that he met on his journeys.

Ernie is survived by his partner, Lisa Clipping; Children: Jason, Holly (Jacob), Dennis (Morgan) Roseanne (Andrew) Sheila and Bentley. Grandsons: Jesse, Cody, Desmond, Brody, Jaden and Tommy. Grand Daughters: Jessica, Lyla, Violet, Aurora, Ivy Rose and Great Grandchildren: Audrey and Adeline

He is also survived by his siblings: Geoffrey, Jean, Casey, Joyce, Allan, Charlie, and Mable; His beloved aunt Christine (Fred), as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and many cousins.

Ernie is predeceased by his parents: Geoffrey Wheeler, Mina Bussidor Jones; Grandparents: Peter Bussidor, Mary Bussidor and his uncle Sammy Bussidor.

“I CAN NOW CONTINUE MY SPIRIT JOURNEY KNOWING MY CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN WILL HAVE A SAFE AND SECURE FUTURE” ~ Ernie Bussidor

Viewing held in Thompson, Manitoba at the Royal Canadian Legion Chimo Room, 101 Elizabeth Drive, from 3:00—6:00pm on Sunday, February 4th, 2024.

Funeral Service held in Tadoule Lake, Manitoba at the Tadoule Lake Band Hall on Monday, February 5th, 2024. Interment to follow at the Tadoule Lake, Cemetery.

The family of Ernie Bussidor would like to thank you for the flowers, donations, and kind expressions of sympathy shown.  Your support during this time has been very much