“Thank Creator for all of people that helped us and for the things that we have.”
Grandmother Irene

Irene (Baldhead) Lindsay passed away peacefully on May 19 , 2026 surrounded by
loving family members.

Irene is lovingly remembered by her six children, Raymonde Hartl, Harold Lindsay, Karen
Archand, Joan Lindsay, Debbie Lindsay and Gail Lindsay and 9 grandchildren: Jason Hartl,
Nicole Hartl, Peter Lindsay, Thomas Lindsay, Chad Arcand, Cassandra Arcand, Tyler
Cybulski, Justin Cybulski and Fallon Cybulski. She was predeceased by her husband Oscar
Lindsay. 

Irene Lindsay, was a Wolf Clan descendant, originally from the Cree/Sioux community of
Wakaw, Saskatchewan. As a youth, Irene resided on One Arrow First Nations Reserve in
Saskatchewan. She was a survivor of St. Michael’s Residential School in Duck Lake
Saskatchewan. At 13 she moved from the Residential School to Ottawa/Gatineau for
employment. She became a master baker and later went on to complete her schooling
in nursing.

Grandmother Irene left a legacy of love and kindness. She brought positive energy into
the world and used her healing journey as a platform to help so many others. Irene was
recognized as a cultural and spiritual teacher in many parts of the community. As part of
her healing she was given the name, Eagle Eye Woman. She was brave in her storytelling
of her healing journey and always ended her story with the message of healing leads to
peace inside of ourselves. And that is what she wanted for all of us.

​

Grandmother loved her pipe, throughout her life she brought thousands of people
together for pipe ceremonies, sweat lodges, berry fasts, and vision quests. She carried
wisdom and helped many to take up a traditional lifestyle. The medicine she carried for
the people was strong and changed many lives. Grandmother was wolf clan which means
she was good with the community.

Her personal and professional pursuits consistently directed her toward work that helped
to enrich and complement the aspirations of Indigen our people and communities.
Beyond her children and family, her focus was on restoring dignity and joy to Indigenous
people’s lives, particularly Indigenous women. She had a close relationship with
Minwaashin Lodge, the Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre, including establishing the
Wisdom Keepers, a Grandmothers Circle, and served on the Women’s Council for the
Lodge. She worked as a Grandmother and Elder for many years. Grandmother Irene was a
healer and many Indigenous women and families who had family members who were
murdered or went missing recognized her as part of their healing journey.
In the last 40 years of her life, she was recognized as a respected Elder in Ottawa and
opened many community, national and international events. She was a board member
for an Aboriginal Men’s Healing Lodge and a board member/ Elder for the Aboriginal
Healing Foundation. Irene was a guest lecturer on Native culture and traditions for
university and high school students in Canada.

Her interest in giving back to her community led to a career in the helping profession,
facilitating a Residential School Survivors Circle, fund raising committees, numerous
health video documentaries to promote awareness of Indigenous Health Issues, and
assisting Indigenous Services Canada around their Indigenous Community Development
training.
Grandmothers’ signature message to community was, “All the women that come through
our doors at Minwaashin Lodge are ‘diamonds in the rough.’ Once they have connected
to culture and healing, they transform into these beautiful smooth diamonds.”
Mary Daoust - Executive Director – Minwaashin Lodge. 

Her legacy will continue with her children and with all of the people that she walked with
on their healing journey. 

Irene’s Celebration of Life will be held on June 18 at Minwaashin Lodge, 2323 St.Laurent
Blvd from 12-2 p.m. All that cared for Grandmother Irene is welcome to attend.