Aboriginal elder Tobasonakwut Kinew died Sunday morning, after a battle with cancer.

The 76-year-old was an educator and advocate for language revitalization, civil liberties, treaty and First Nations rights, culture and philosophy. Kinew shared the ways of thinking of the Anishinaabe people and carried out traditional ceremonies in the name of reconciliation, with emphasis on the residential school experience.

His wife Kathi called him the most important figure in her life. The couple had two children together and several grandchildren. A memorial will be held Thursday evening at the Glenlawn Funeral Home.

A wake will be held on the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation Friday night. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. at the Onigaming Round House.