[IPSM] Nush (Rose) Gregoire has passed away

[nora butler burke]

(Nush Gregoire was a part of the Montreal Anti-War Conference in 2002. 
Among other things, she was very involved in the struggle against NATO 
low-level flight training over Innu territories. To read more about Nush 
Gregoire, you can check out 
http://www.innu.ca/rosegregoire/rosegregoire.htm 
<http://www.innu.ca/rosegregoire/rosegregoire.htm>)


Nush (Rose) Gregoire  1948 - 2007

We regret to say that Nush (Rose) Gregoire passed away quietly at the 
Health Science Complex in St. John's late Wednesday night, March 14th, 
2007, after a brief illness. 

The daughter of Shimun Gregoire and Mani Pinette, Nush was born at 
Kapishkutmishkaikant, on the route from Uashat (Sept-Iles) to 
Sheshatshiu on October 31st, 1948. Well loved and respected by Innu 
throughout Nitassinan (Labrador-Quebec peninsula), Nush was a selfless, 
generous spirit who continuously strove to better the lives of other 
people around her. A knock on her door would always get a quick invite 
in for a cup of tea or something to eat. 

Nush was a very strong advocate for Innu women's rights, justice for the 
victims of sexual abuse, treatment programs for alcohol and substance 
abuse, and community healing.

Nush had many friends and colleagues in the non-Innu community where she 
was well respected for her compassion, quiet intelligence, humility, and 
humour. She was often called upon to be a spokesperson at women's 
gatherings across the country where she made the concerns of the Innu 
people known to all. 
Nush lived with Richard Adams with whom she had four children - Janet, 
Christopher, the late Moosy (Richard), and Theresa. She was a devoted 
grandmother who always missed her grandchildren terribly when travelling 
away from the community.

Nush is survived by her older sisters An-Pinamen (An-Philomene) Pokue, 
Nishapet (Elizabeth) Penashue, her older brother Shaush (George) 
Gregoire, and her younger brother Makiss (Max) Gregoire, as well as 
their husbands and wives, and many nephews and nieces. She is also 
survived by her nephews and nieces by her late sisters Mani-Aten 
(Mary-Adele) Andrew, Manimat Ashini, and Manian (Marie-Anne) Aster. 

Nush completed Grade Nine in school and went on to graduate from a 
nursing assistance course in St. John's in 1969. She worked at different 
jobs throughout her life - in the Grenfell hospital in North West River, 
as a counsellor for the alcohol program in Sheshatshiu, with Social 
Services, and in a shelter for women and families escaping violence in 
their homes. She has played a crucial role in healing work in her 
community, particularly in helping women and children who are surviving 
sexual abuse.

Nush will be greatly missed by one and all.

*Nush. Although you have left us in your physical form, the memory of 
you and all that you have given us throughout your life stays alive in 
our hearts and minds. Iame Nush, Goodbye....*