October 9, 1943 - April 19, 2023
In loving memory ~
Don Fiddler was born in Maidstone Saskatchewan to Louis and Virginia (Fraser) Fiddler. Passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Wednesday April 19, 2023 at the age of 79.
Beloved husband of Patricia Lalonde and pre-deceased by Ellie (Elsie) Fiddler (nee Loewen). Much loved father of Ramona (Darin), Laurel (Peter), Darrin, Rebecca (Josh), Pierre (Su), and Andre (Hien) and grandchildren Zackary, Jacob, Lukas, Coco, Lola, Ziva and Asher and god-children Brett and Brianna Beaudry.
Survived by Larry, Isabel, Lynette, and Georgina, four of his 17 siblings.
Don was a Leader and Advocate in Indigenous Education, Health, and the Arts throughout Canada. He was an exceptional educator in B.C. teaching elementary - secondary and created a night school for street kids. Don was the Executive Director of The En'owkin Center, an Indigenous Post-Secondary Creative Writing and Art School. Don established the Association of Aboriginal Post-Secondary Institutes of BC and Alberta to provide First Nations Accreditations. For one year, Don took his young family to Africa where he taught at Njase Girls Secondary School. For 20 years until present, he chaired the National Collaborating Center of Indigenous Health. He established the Sprott Shaw College of Business in Kelowna. For ten years in Ottawa, he worked with the MNC, MNO, AFN, AFNIH and received an award of Excellence from Health Canada. Back to BC, Don was the District Principal of Aboriginal Education in Kelowna then Vancouver. He created the Aboriginal Information Management System for the Vancouver School Board which helped to significantly increase the graduation rate of Indigenous students. From there he retired and moved to Gananoque, Ontario with his wife, Patricia. Together they created a warm, welcoming home fulfilling their passions for art.
Don spent his final month at home, surrounded by the love of family and close friends.
Don's Indigenous celebration of life will be held on Thursday May 28th from 2-5 at Summerhill Winery 4870 Chute Lake Rd, Kelowna
Donations in lieu of flowers to Indspire would be gratefully appreciated.