Samson Gabriel

Kanesatake — Tekarihokon, Samson Gabriel, age 96, died Friday, October 22, 2011 at the St. Eustache hospital near Oka, Quebec following a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Ida; his son, David Gabriel, (Cathy), his grandson Rahsontahawi, brothers Donald (Josephine) Gabriel, Raymond (Eliane) Gabriel, both of Kanesatake and a sister Loveday (Daniel) McDonald of Akwesasne.  Many nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

He was predeased by his mother, Mary Jacobs, of Akwesasne and his Father, Paul Gabriel, of Kanesatake.  He was also predeceased by his brothers Mose, Solomon (Cecilia), Harold, his sisters Adeline (Albert) McDonald, Margaret (John) McDonald both of Akwesasne, and Ida (Wesley) Nicolas of Kanesatake.

Born at home February 23, 1915 he was a lifelong resident of Kanesatake.

In his early years, he worked as a laborer in lumber camps during the 1940’s at Lake Placid, the Carillion Power Dam, also the Seaway Locks for several years and worked as an skilled carpenter for the Band Council until his retirement.   Samson enjoyed gardening with his wife Ida and grandson.

Samson, Bear clan, was borrowed into the Turtle clan and condoled in 1963 in the title of Tekarihokon. He tended to the title for the Mohawk Nation for 47 years.  He is the last Chief of the original council that was condoled during his generation.  Samson never learned to speak English and became a National Treasure of Linguistic Knowledge in our language to his family and many friends. During his years as a condoled chief he was a great promoter of our Kaniekehaka Language, Haudenosaunee belief, ceremonies and a prominent defender of treaty rights, he enjoyed passing on his knowledge to his nieces and nephews.

He is resting at his home on Ahsennenhson Road in Kanesatake.  Calling hours started Monday October 24th until burial on Wednesday October 26, 2011 in the Kanesatake Longhouse and he will be resting at the Pine Hill Cemetery.  He will be sadly missed.

Donations or contributions may be made to the immediate family.