Bradley John Maggrah
November 26, 1949-January 11, 2020
In loving memory of Bradley John Maggrah, age 70, who, after a short illness passed away on January 11, 2020 at Dryden Regional Health Centre with his children by his side.
Brad is survived by the love of his life Kathy, and 4 children, Holly (Travis), Laurie (Ian), Shaundel (Travis) and B.J. Brad was the proud Grandpa of Amanda (Jay), Michelle (Martin), Travis Jr, Chelsea (Nigel) Tianna (Nicolaj) Austin (Randy), Mason and Hudson. He was the proud “Papa Brad” to great-grandchildren, Cari, Danny and Talon, Hazel and Violet, Hailey-Rae, Anna and Kaleb, Lauren and Nova.
He is also survived by siblings David, Carol, Arlene and Terri. He was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Millie Maggrah.
In his early years, Brad worked in the Forest Industry, doing everything from truck driving, operating heavy equipment or whatever needed to be done. There were no tasks that he would not attempt and succeeded at them all. Following a workplace injury that prevented continuing in this line of employment, Brad switched gears and began advocating for the rights of Metis and off-reserve Indigenous people. As a member of the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association he was given the opportunity to share his skills as a machine operator and truck driver by training several classes of students to become successful operators and truck drivers.
To the many who have worked with Brad during his adult lifetime of Indigenous activism, he was an inspiration. His list of accomplishments is long but it is his fighting for Metis and Non-Status Indian Indigenous rights that cannot be forgotten or matched by many. Brad was a long-time member of the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association (OMAA) and a founding member of the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO). When the OMAA stopped representing Metis, Non-status and Status Indians off reserve, Brad spearheaded the creation of the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples (OCAP). He was the founding president of OCAP and President and Chief of the Ontario Coalition of Indigenous Peoples (OCIP) until late 2019. Brad was recognized with Queen’s Jubilee medal, and with an Eagle feather from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).
CAP National Chief Robert Bertrand stated “Brad Maggrah was a great friend to the Indigenous peoples of Ontario, he tirelessly gave of his time throughout his adult life, sacrificing time away from family and friends to do the vitally important work of organizing our communities and challenging governments to do better for all indigenous peoples. He will be sorely missed by his family and all his colleagues across Canada who he helped in Indigenous Activism.”
Elmer St. Pierre OCIP Chief and lifetime friend of Brad Maggrah stated “I thank you Kathy, Brad’s wonderful wife and all your amazing children for sharing Brad with all Ontario’s off reserve Indigenous peoples for over 30 years. We needed his leadership and handwork, countless hours all volunteered championing Indigenous rights and social programming for our people. He can never be replaced. “
Ron Swain former OCAP/OCIP Chair and CAP Vice Chief stated: “The world is a sadder place without my good friend and great Indigenous organizer and leader. Brad was a father who told me his only regret in his whole life was working to long and away from his family when he was a younger man. He travelled across Ontario and Canada bringing Indigenous peoples together and now his important lifetime activism work can be done by others because his legacy is creating an organization that will continue the fight. Thank you so much Brad, speedy journey to see your relations.”
Brads family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Nursing Staff of the DRHC for the excellent care they provided during his time in the hospital.
There will be no visitation, as cremation has already taken place.
A celebration of life will take place Saturday, July 4th, 2020, from 1 until 3pm at 76 Maggrah Road in Wabigoon.
Internment will also take place at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to Brad Maggrah’s Celebration of Life, c/o Kathleen Maggrah, through Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON, P8N 2X3.
