Melvin "Grant" Severight

Melvin “Grant” Severight, 75, a member of the Cote First Nation, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 2, 1950, in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, to the late Melvin Musqua and Muriel Severight. He was also blessed to be raised by his other mother, Marion Shanacappo.

Grant dedicated his life to helping others as a Mental Health Therapist, specifically advocating for Indigenous communities impacted by residential schools and incarceration. As a survivor himself, he was deeply committed to the belief that trauma should not define one's future.

Throughout his career, Grant served as a Director with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and achieved his goal of counseling and mentoring Indigenous men after earning a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master’s in Adult Education. Notably, Grant was the first Indigenous therapist to be certified with Health Canada. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Grant was a gifted musician who released an album titled “Life is a Circle,” reflecting the philosophy by which he lived. He was a devout Christian, deeply connected to his faith. Grant also had a great love for animals and treasured his dog, Lucky, as a beloved member of the family.

Grant is survived by his best friend, Myrna Buffalo; his children, Arlene (Cordell), Myrtle (Derrick), Jocelyn, Trey (Dora), Deanna, Cory (Genalle), Leighton, Lance (Earlene), and Adrian; adopted son Tony Cote and adopted daughter, Debbie Poitras (Lawrence); his grandchildren, Natasha "Waylayla" (Ralph); Whitney (Jeremy), Charish, Solomon, Jayden (Ian), Ethan, Kristen (Spencer), Terrell, Trez (Charissa), Kierra, Leif, Lane, Kailey, Kaitlin, Emma and Danielle, Daiton, Deilan, Sydney, CeeJay, Darcy, Lalene, Lanen, Leacen, Braewin; his great grandchildren, Sophia, Hazel, Cairo, Willow, Decon, Briella, Laken, Haidyn, James and Kairyn; and his siblings, Alvin Musqua (Freda), Sandra Tourangeau (Mike), Rita Grace Quewezance (Delmer), Bonnie Whitehawk and Maynard Severight (Cheri).

Grant was predeceased by his first wife, Noreen "Begirl" Severight; his daughter, Evelyn Severight (Wayne); his sons, Brendon Severight and Brent Cote; and granddaughter Chloe Crowe.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Grant will remember him for his wisdom, humor, compassion, and his unwavering dedication to his family and community.

"God is doing something. He is bringing us all together. We need to love each other."

Grant will be forever loved and missed.

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