We celebrate a legacy, a legacy of life that began with the birth of Mona Anderson on Jan. 1, 1911 - a century ago in Wabasca.

Mona was a sister, a mother, an aunt, a kokum, a chapan, and most of all a friend. She left us to be with the Lord on April 23, 2011, at J.B. Wood Palliative Care.

Mona was adopted into the Nahachick family in Atikameg as a child and remained close to them. She arrived by horseback from Wabasca after the death of her mother at an early age and was separated from her brother, Charles, since that time. Kokum lived in Atikameg with the chief and his wife, and attended the Anglican Mission.

She married Anthony (Tony) Anderson in February 1929 in old Grouard or Kapawe’no. They lived in Atikameg where Tony worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company and lived in a large house with their children. Many holidays and summers were spent with Maxwell and his family, camping and visiting. Kokum took in many visitors and also cared for her elderly mother-in-law. They eventually settled in Gift Lake as their children grew into adulthood and left home. Kokum also raised some of her grandchildren.

Kokum lived a good life. She saw many changes during her lifetime having lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression in the 1930s and witnessing many changes in technology and in the community.

Mona, like many others during her time, lived off the land and shared much of their prosperity with those around them. Family members were expected to work and to do their share for survival: gardening, hunting, gathering, berry-picking and working hard was part of their daily lives, but they also enjoyed community activities and gatherings. Kokum loved life and cherished her daily walks and family time spent together, always staying close to home.

Kokum had a special way of naming her grandchildren. They were given Cree names like Nipsees, Wanchipskaw, Watchuskoos and Urseense.

Kokum gave me strength and modeled moral values that have carried me through my life and I will honour and cherish the many memories, the laughter, and the friendship she offered, her gentle kind spirit and generosity. She always shared and gave of herself and sacrificed much to see her children and grandchildren were raised with a good moral upbringing, dignity, and a respect for all people. Many times she has had to correct us and our behaviour, whether it was with a kind gentle reminder or a scolding.

We each have our memories and we learned to love her ways. She was part of our daily lives and our community. She was always concerned with each individual’s well-being and health and enquired daily. Her hand was far-reaching; even though we did not live next door to her or in the community she knew what was happening in our lives and cared dearly, sometimes worrying too much.

Kokum was always there when we needed advice and gave freely. Her first and only language is Cree. She left a legacy of the stories and knowledge with those closest to her. She participated as an elder and advised with the development of Cree language programs implemented in school.

Mona also received a community award as a pioneer in helping to establish what is Gift Lake today. Mona was dedicated to the Anglican church and was baptized Anglican. Every Sunday the horse and wagon would come around to pick up kids and adults and we would be off to church. Wanda loved going to church with us and Kokum ensured that we knew about Jesus and the Bible. She kept the faith and will be cherished in our hearts and minds forever.

Anthony and Mona have 12 children; she was pre-deceased by her mother and father, brother Charlie, eldest son Mark and daughter Rachel and Pauline, her husband Anthony and three babies.

She leaves to mourn six children, one step-child and 42 grand-children, 112 great-grandchildren, and 52 great-great grandchildren; friends and loved ones.