A man who spent his life bringing Indigenous stories and teachings to the forefront through radio broadcasts and the written word died Monday in London, Ont.
Dan Smoke, a member of the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy, was a teacher, activist, writer and co-host alongside his wife of Canada’s longest-running Indigenous campus radio program.
“It is with great sadness that I have to share that the love of my life, Dr. Dan Smoke, has gone onto the spirit world due to complications from diabetes and pneumonia,” wrote Mary Lou Smoke. “Dan committed his life to helping all people. We will miss him dearly.”
In 2022, Dan and Mary Lou received honorary doctorates of laws from Western University for their work and taught at the university and Brescia University College.
Dan and Mary Lou became well known for actively supporting reconciliation, bridging the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. For three decades, they brought Indigenous voices to the radio airwaves on their program Smoke Signals on CHRW Radio Western 94.9 FM.
“Nobody’s really going to be able to fill those shoes,” Grand Chief at the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Joel Abram said. “But you know, he is a trailblazer and people can follow.”
Originally from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Smoke’s family said a sacred fire has been lit and details will come on a memorial for him.
WATCH | Dan Smoke reflects on three decades on the air co-hosting Smoke Signals:
Dan Smoke and his wife Mary Lou have been telling stories about Indingeous culture on Western University’s campus radio since 1991 on their show Smoke Signals . Dan takes a moment to reflect on what’s changed in 30 years.