The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) mourns the passing of Elder Danny Musqua. We send condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the people of Keeseekoose First Nation. 

Elder Musqua was an Elder in residence in our office under Treaty Commissioner David Arnott, and his work has had a significant impact on how we look at Treaties. Elder Musqua’s words from September 1997, remain on the wall of the office continuing to guide the work we do.   

“We made a covenant with Her Majesty’s government, a covenant is not just a relationship between people, it’s a relationship between three parties, you (the Crown) and me (First Nations) and the Creator.” 

Elder Musqua also had a significant impact with First Nations University of Canada (formerly the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College). He served as an Elder in residence, providing cultural teachings and traditional activities for the BISW program and the U of S ITEP program.

Elder Musqua was granted an honourary degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1995, where he also taught. He served as a band councillor at the Keeseekoose First Nation and received Citizen of the Year from Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations. 

His teachings have been published, including The Teachings of the Bear Clan As Told to Saulteaux Elder Danny Musqua and The Seven Fires: The Lifelong Process of Growth and Learning as Explained by Saulteaux Elder Danny Musqua 

Elder Musqua was married to Thelma Musqua, originally from the Waywayseecappo Reserve. They had 12 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was the son of Roy Musqua and Nellie Brass. Elder Musqua always said his greatest inspiration came from his father and his uncle John Tootoosis. He comes from a family wealthy in knowledge and love.

“They taught me about Treaties, the meaning of Treaties as well as the spirit and intent. They taught me to be proud as a people and to never forget that we had an agreement with the Crown. They taught me that it was very important to keep learning about Treaties, so I did.” 

“My uncle always taught about compassion, love and kindness. Like many who survived residential schools he overcame the trauma eventually in his life and lived to serve others. He did so with dignity,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Mary Culbertson.

While Elder Musqua will be greatly missed, his teachings will live on.

Wake services will be 4 p.m. Dec. 7 with his funeral at 11 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Keeseekoose Chiefs Education Centre.