Tony Cote

     Macqua, passed away at the Regina General Hospital.  He is predeceased by his wife Sadie, sons Edward, Laurie and Ronald Tourangeau and his parents Frank and Ellen (Quewezance) Cote.  Macqua will be lovingly missed by his children Beverley, Johnny, Denise, Faye, Joan, Robert, Willet Tourangeau (Jennifer), Sadie Friday, Lavonne Secretan (Kent).  Special granddaughters Valerie Cote, Camilla Whitehawk, Jaime Keshane, special grandson John Ketchemonia and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and favorite son-in-law James Whitehawk.
      Macqua was stern but loving father.  He was a good provider, ensuring his children had the necessities in life and guidance to achieve whatever they desired in their life.  He was a positive role model for them as he always worked, and sought after better work so he could provide for his family.  He instilled excellent work ethics in all his children. 
     His career began as a soldier in 1952-58 which he went to Korea with the Royal Canadian Artillery, 25th Infantry Brigade, 81st Field Regiment.  Once he returned to Cote First Nation, he left because there were no employment available, he found employment in Alberta – Fort Vermillion, Sturgeon Lake, Desmarias where he worked as Physical Education Counsellor.  He returned back to Cote First Nation in 1967 where he was employed by Cote Band as Recreation Director, Welfare Administrator and then was elected Chief, in 1970.  He was Chief from 1970 – 1978, during this time he was a visionary beyond his time.  He was then employed with Federation of Saskatchewan Indians as their FSI Treasurer – Finance and Administration from 1976-1986.  In 1980-1986, he worked for Canada Employment and Immigration Commission as Indian/Native Employment Officer; He then went to NOR-SASK Native Outreach, Inc. working as their Executive Director from 1986-1990.  He was employed with Saskatchewan Indian Housing Commission as their Executive Director from 1990-1995.  He became Tribal Chief of Yorkton Tribal Council in 1995-2001; in 2001-2002 he was the Coordinator Officer for the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association.  His last employment was at First Nations University of Canada, as Commissionaire/Security from 2003 until he retired in 2015.
     Throughout his tenure as Chief he began the Indian Summer Games, he secured funding for an arena with artificial ice which was a first for First Nations, he and the council created many opportunities for employment for the people of Cote in various entities - Cote Wood Industries, Cote Furniture making, Cote Band Farms, Cote Leather Crafts, Cote Fundraising initiatives to build the arena, gym and sports grounds.  He was a firm believer all children and youth be involved in sports and recreation.  Every age group had sports teams – hockey, fastball, volleyball, basketball.  He also started Cote Chiefs, Junior B Hockey Team which was the first all First Nation hockey team who would win championships.  He was a cofounder Saskatchewan Indian Federated College which is now known as First Nations University of Canada. 
     He met and encouraged many students while working at First Nations University of Canada, and became a mentor and most importantly, friend to many.  He formed lifelong bonds with the students and became a Misomis to many of them.
     His accomplishments were made at the reserve, provincial and federal levels for many First Nation youth and people.  Tony wanted all First Nation people to have better lives for themselves and families.  He wanted the youth to participate in sports at all levels to become confident in their lives.  Tony was a great leader and visionary who was ahead of his times and paved paths for many in numerous ways and areas.  He will be truly missed by all.
 He believed to be successful in life –  you must work hard and always think positive. 

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