Stoney Knoll First Nation Chief Sylvia Weenie passes away at 73

Her commitment to teaching was rooted in her own experience at residential school in Onion Lake Cree Nation.

In the 2024 interview, conducted at a flag-raising ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Weenie recalled students being identified by numbers rather than their names. She said students were beaten if they called one another by their real names.

“They took our language away, and they took our identity away. They took our belief system, our traditions, our culture, and everything Indigenous, and they made us feel ashamed of who we were.”

“My number was 29, one of my sisters was 17, my other sister was 46, and my other sister was 69, and my best friend was 68. … I can meet one of the people I went to school with, and instead of knowing their true names, I will only remember their number, and that’s very sad.”

Weenie said there were too few people fluent enough to teach the language. She and BATC were trying to train instructors for daycares, Head Start programs and schools.

“I’m trying to help our people wake up to that language within our young people. That’s part of it, but it’s just a tiny piece of the puzzle in rebuilding and restoring who we are as First Nations people,” she said.

Living Sky School Division said Weenie served as an Elder on its Indigenous Advisory Council. She and her family shared their time and knowledge with the division, helping build understanding and connections among students, staff and families.

“These teaching have left a lasting legacy and are a gift that will continue to inspire us,” the division said in a statement.

The division lowered the flag at its Central Services office in her honour.

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre remembered her as a member of its board of directors whose work supported community health and well-being.

“Her presence, wisdom, and contributions to BRT6HC have been meaningful to our organization and to the work we carry forward together,” the centre said in a statement from its board and staff.

The city offered condolences to her family and Stoney Knoll First Nation, recognizing her service to the region.

“Chief Weenie leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her community and the Battlefords region. Her years of service touched many lives and will not be forgotten,” the City stated.

In September 2024, Weenie said public acknowledgement of residential school history and events such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation helped Indigenous people feel proud of their identity again.

Looking to younger generations, she expressed confidence in their ability to embrace that identity and discuss it openly.

“I have hope in our young people.”

A traditional celebration of life for Weenie will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Sweetgrass Community Centre.

This story highlights some of Weenie’s contributions and the tributes shared following her death. It is not a comprehensive account of her life and work.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by battlefordsNOW staff

Stoney Knoll First Nation Chief Sylvia Weenie passes away at 73

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