Miles Joseph Elmer (“Ice Thunderbird”) Musqua

Miles Joseph Elmer Musqua (“Ice Thunderbird”)

of Keeseekoose First Nation passed away at the age of 81 years on Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Melville, Sk.
A traditional wake was held on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from the Keeseekoose Chiefs Educational complex.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 also from the Keeseekoose Chiefs Educational complex with a Mass following at the St Philips Roman Catholic Church.
Interment followed at the St Philips Roman Catholic Cemetery.
MILES JOSEPH ELMER MUSQUA
"Mi-Comme Pinace"
Miles was born and raised on the Keeseekoose First Nation on February 5, 1936 to Roy and Nellie Musqua. Miles passed away peacefully at the age of 81 years on March 26, 2017 in Mellville, Sasakatchewan, surrounded by his family.
In his early years, Miles helped his parents and siblings work on the family farm where they raised cattle and were involved in agriculture production, this is when he developed his love for the outdoors and horses. In his lifetime he worked a series of various jobs that took him to Prince George British Columbia sawmill and pulp camp. He also served his community of Keeseekoose as a band councillor and owned and operated a grader working for the reserve clearing snow and maintaining roads. However, farming was always his main passion as he proudly talked about picking stones for 34 years and working his land for over 65 Years. He will always be remembered as a hardworking man who was still farming at the age of 81.
He was also known for his athletic skills, being a fierce competitor in sports such as baseball, boxing, and playing hockey; where he earned the nickname of 'Jett.' Not only where sports important to him but he was active in the horse racing community. A social person, Miles was known in the area as an excellent pool player who could be found in the local pool halls playing a game or simply visiting and making friends. In his youth he was a champion grass dancer and later in life he got into jigging/square dancing and would travel across provinces to attend as many social events as he could. Driving was a favourite past time earning him the nickname "Road Runner" as he would always be in his van going somewhere.
Miles maintained a strong connection to his traditional ways, keeping his Saulteaux cultural practices alive, sharing with the next generation what he knew. He also provided his traditional knowledge as an elder at conferences, workshops , and would often speak to his family on the importance of retaining their language and traditional value's.
He met the love of his life, Patricia, and married her in 1966, residing in Keeseekoose where they raised their 8 children, although Miles had a total of 12. However, they always took in who needed a place to stay as their hearts were big and the door was always open.
He is survived by his loving children, Daughters; Marilyn Musqua, Marion (Wilfred) Shingoose, Elodie (Wesley) Musqua, Sandra (Mike) Tourangeau, Linda Clearsky, Corrine Strongquill . Sons; Kevin (Dione) Musqua, Melvin Musqua, Raymond (Trudy) Shingoose, Walter Stevenson, Greg Brass. Special grand-daughters whom he raised as his own: Lesley Dreaver, Becky (Josh) Musqua, Dominica Musqua.
Miles leaves his legacy behind with 47 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren. Siblings: Danny, Georgina, Albert, Linda, Francis and Joyce. As well as his loved nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
He was predeceased by his mother and father; Roy and Nellie Musqua: Mother of his children Patricia Musqua. brothers; Wilfred, Felix, Melvin. Sisters; Mable, Pauline, Doris, Thoreen, Mildred, Josephine, Lillian, and Florence. Children; Maureen, Patrick, and Joe-Brass. Grandsons; Logan and Travis.

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