George Weldon Wakiá:s Adams "Whitegas"

George Weldon Wakiá:s Adams, better known as "Whitegas", age 73, of Tsi Snaihne, QC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends.

George was an avid fisherman and trapper, a skill he learned from his father out on the St. Lawrence River and the marshes of the Akwesasne territory. After the loss of his father at age 13 he continued to carry on that family tradition with his uncles, cousins and his son, Pete. He had extensive knowledge of the lands, waterways and oral traditions of the territory. He spoke Kanien'kéha as his first language and he was happy to share his knowledge with anyone who asked.

Like many Mohawk men before and after him, he left Akwesasne to work on the high steel all around North America. He, and his wife Edith, founded the Akwesasne Cancer Support Group providing comfort, information and monetary aid to patients and their families who were fighting cancer. He remained an active member of the group until he and his wife retired in order to focus on their health.

He cared about his community and while serving as Tsi Snaihne district chief he realized that his mission was to get involved in issues surrounding Native land claims and hunting, fishing and trapping rights. In fact, he was once arrested for fishing without a government issued license, he fought the charge all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada and he won.

George will be dearly missed by his wife Edith Chubb Adams; and his children: Helen Jacobs and Peter Adams (Darlene) from a previous marriage to Nancy Phillips; and daughter Rhea Anderson. He'll also be missed by his grandchildren: Amanda Smith, Adam Jacobs, Aaron Jacobs, Craig Thompson, Lauren Adams, Stevie Ray Adams and Sebastian Anderson; and by his great-grandchildren: Avah, Coranda, Axton and Channing. He will also be missed by his goddaughter Kady, his stepson Dana, and chosen grandson Colby, and his many family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Margaret Adams; his sisters Annette Jocko and Mary Thompson; his mother-in-law Ruth Chubb; and longtime companion Christie Jocko.

Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of LAHAIE & SULLIVAN

CORNWALL FUNERAL HOMES, East Branch, 614 First Street East (613-933-2841). Visitation was held at the Homemakers Centre in Tsi Snaihne on Monday, July 9, 2018 until time of service on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, Memorial Donations to the Akwesasne Cancer Support Group would be appreciated by the family. Messages of condolences may be left at http://www.lahaiesullivan.ca.