Tributes are plenty for Ted Blondin, a respected Elder from the Tłįchǫ Region, who has recently passed away.
Blondin had an extensive background in politics and business across the Northwest Territories, and a life-long dedication to his people.
He worked on the negotiation team as a Tłįcho˛ Land Claim Manager, contributing to the creation of the Tłįcho˛ Constitution, Self-Government, and Land Claim Rights.Blondin became the chairperson of the Tłįcho˛ Community Services Agency, as well as a board member, and later President, of the Behchokò˛ Development Corporation.
Ted Blondin and niece Cassandra Blondin Burt. (Photo courtesy of Cassandra via Instagram)
His niece, Cassandra Blondin Burt, posted to social media: “Our family is saying goodbye to a wonderful man this week.”
Her uncle’s “care and consideration were matched only by his compassion and sense of humour,” she stated.
“He always wanted me to talk about how Dene understood science, and the universe, pointing to certain traditional stories that, he said, would show that we understood concepts like ‘atmosphere’ and, he would say, that we could astral travel.
“When we spoke, even in these last years when he couldn’t see, I swear I could see his eyes sparkle — I would say that he, always, had stars in his eyes.”
Ted Blondin, seated in middle, with a previous Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation board of directors. (Photo courtesy of TIC)
Tłįchǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty said Blondin, “led a life of service and was always advocating for our people, the Tłįchǫ people, the Tłįchǫ nation, and the protection of the Tłįchǫ land.”
He continued: “Ted’s kindness, you know, gentle nature with a strong sense of humor, was a gift that he shared with so many, so many people in the North, and outside the North, within Canada too. He was always known to be telling stories and sharing life lessons with everyone he met or wherever he traveled, as part of his work. He was a simple man, a very gentle soul, and always willing to give, always willing to share, always willing to make people laugh.”
Listen to more of Grand Chief Lafferty’s comments:
Premier R.J. Simpson issued a statement extending his deepest condolences on the passing of Blondin, a respected Elder from the Tłįchǫ Region whose lifelong dedication to his people leaves an enduring legacy across the Northwest Territories.
Simpson stated: “Ted Blondin was a remarkable leader whose vision and commitment helped shape the future of the Tłįchǫ Region and the Northwest Territories. His tireless efforts to advance education, health, social well-being, and self-governance — most recently as Chair of the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency — leave a legacy of service that will be felt for generations.”
Simpson noted that Blondin was a co-founder of The Native Press, where he championed Indigenous voices and ensured they were heard and preserved during a transformative period in Northern history.
The Premier continued: “Ted’s wisdom, humility, and passion for his people will be deeply missed. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of leadership and advocacy will endure.”
Brian Willows, public administrator for the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, and Dan Florizone, public administrator for the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority issues a joint statement April 11 on Ted Blondin’s passing:
“This week, the North lost a prominent community member, leader, advocate and change agent. Mr. Ted Blondin was known across the territory and the stories and memories that have been shared online about the impacts he has had on the people who knew him and organizations he impacted are evidence of his legacy.
“Mr. Blondin played a pivotal role in the health and social services system, not just the Tłįchǫ Region, but across the Northwest Territories. He was the Chairperson of the Tłįchǫ Community Services Agency board of directors, and in that capacity served as a member of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Leadership Council – a role he held since the NTHSSA’s establishment in 2016.
Over the years, Mr. Blondin’s commitment to the Leadership Council and efforts to ensure regional voices were represented to support improvements to the health and social services across the territory, never wavered. He worked closely with Council members and staff within the two authorities to share ideas and gain information and was always vocal about the importance of partnership and collaboration.
“On behalf of the NTHSSA and HRHSSA, we offer our deepest condolences to the TCSA and family and friends of the late Mr. Blondin. We are grieving with you and will continue to remember and respect the legacy of our dear friend and colleague.”
