Obituary of Gary Carriere

Gary was raised by his grandparents in Cumberland House and on the trapline located on the Saskatchewan River Delta. At a later age, he was forced into a colonial education system. Gary quit that system as soon as he could and returned to life on the land. He built a successful outfitting business with his wife Karen and their family while also advocating tirelessly for the Saskatchewan River Delta and never losing his deep faith in God. He guided fishermen, hunters, students and scientists from around the world. He spoke for the complex culture of the delta—the fish, the birds, the mammals; the plants and insects upon which they depend upon. The heartbeat of the Delta is the backbone of the seasons and culture perpetuated by local people.

   He reminds us “If the delta is healthy, the people will be healthy.”

He demonstrated what is possible through collaborations between Universities and Indigenous Communities. He conveyed the highest level of scientific and local understanding of the workings of the Saskatchewan River Delta, across multiple knowledge systems. Gary selflessly spent his time teaching that knowledge to others, and living the values of collaboration, commitment to community, different ways of knowing, diversity, healthy environments, openness, sustainability and reconciliation. He did this throughout his illness, from hospital beds, even up until his final days.

Gary’s immense contributions were recognized when he received an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023. He taught us to have faith in God, to not give up on ourselves, our family, our friends and our wildlife. Gary is survived by his immense family, friends, and a global network of researchers, artists and politicians, too numerous to name, who had the honour of meeting him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen Carriere;

his children: Nordica Owens (Dave), Nadia Gardiner (Duncan), Mork Laliberte (Margaret), Mardell Kadachuk (Norman), Stella Carriere (Rod), Joe Carriere, Corey Gibb (Cyerra), Bianca Beatty (Derrik), Gary Carriere Jr. Kali), Matthew Fiddler, Nicco Natomagan (Kaelee);

his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His Nicewagonak (friends), Corey McKenzie, William Chaboyer, and Late Arthur Dorion Sr.

His Siblings: Debbie Laramey, Morley Hoksbergen (Jackie), Kevin Hoksbergen (Carmelle), Harold Carriere (Anna), Victor Carriere (Joni), Chris Carriere, Patsy Carriere.

He was predeceased by: Joseph and Emily Carriere, Stella Hoksbergen, Dawson Carriere, Raynold (Chug) Carriere, Angus Carriere Sr, Doug Carriere, Helen Vandale.

Gary gets to rest now.

We must carry on with the many lessons Gary taught us.

Remember The Delta