Dale, Strength of Two Buffalo – Tekasatstennserake, affectionately known as Strength Of Two Buffalo Dale, of the Six Nations of the Grand River, passed away suddenly and tragically on October 7, 2024, due to complications from hernia repair surgery. A proud Kanien’keha’ka (Mohawk), Turtle Clan by adoption and Wolf Clan by birth. He also honoured his Lenape identity as a descendant of Francis Wampum and Bill Montour.
Family was at the very center of Strength’s world. He is survived by his beloved wife Kanekatatie, Amanda Dale-St. Pierre, and their children: Kay Lee (Spencer), Jacob, Jasmin “Konoronhkwa”, Justice “Atathsennowanaht”, and Jade “Iakori’wi:io” or “Noodle.” He is also deeply missed by his children from a previous union, Daniel and Meghan, along with his cherished grandchildren: Edan (Andrew), Henley, Dominic, Xander, Dani, Trinity, Tye, and Harmony. His loss is also felt profoundly by his mother, Jacqueline Dale (née Green, adoptive Anderson), and his brothers Raven Hope and Sean Dale. Tekasatstennserake also opened his heart to many adoptive children, including Lizzie, Michael, Chelsea Kwandibens, and Rose George.
Strength overcame many obstacles in his life and grew into his role as a father. The palpable joy and pride that his children brought to his great big Papa Bear heart was magical. His overflowing care, respect and his devotion to them were clear within moments of being around them. The depth of this loss for his children are unspeakable. As Amanda said, “Our hearts will miss him forever,” capturing the deep love they shared. Tekasatstennserake lived by the values of Oseri’wahkwenieste (respect), Konoronhkwa (love), and Skennen (peace), leaving a profound legacy through his work as an Indigenous elder and addictions therapist.
Like his namesake, Tekasatstennserake was indeed big and strong, with a great head of hair. Once you knew him, even for a short while, you learned that he was gentle, kind, insightful, joyful, careful with his words and actions, humble, protective, wise, so playful and funny, principled, committed to truth, respectful of others, and a seeker of justice. When we consider what it looks like to live by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Tekasatstennserake is one of the people we think of. He remained a beautiful, spiritual, many-gifted man, who had grace and compassion in abundance despite the many hardships and injustices that he faced simply being who he was in this racist and colonial place.
Together with Amanda, he co-founded Bear Waters Gathering, an Indigenous Education and Wellness organization. His passion for teaching was evident in his role as a curriculum designer for various programs, including the Kanó:ron Koniá:wi (The Sacred Gift) Indigenous Cultural Safety and Anti-Racism Program. He co-developed community initiatives such as Kahkwi:io Oiana (Living Food Path), promoting Indigenous food subsistence and cultural resurgence.
Tekasatstennserake was a generous contributor to Indigenous communities, advocate for the well-being of Indigenous people, and teacher to non-Indigenous allies who were willing to learn. Tekasatstennserake was most committed to his various spiritual roles, including Sweat Lodge Conductor, Sundance Firekeeper, Eagle Staff Carrier, Pipe Carrier, and Big Drum Carrier for the Four Thunders Healing Drum. He apprenticed with diverse elders from the Onkwehonweh, Anishinaabeg, Cree, Lakota, and Inuit communities, beginning in childhood. He came to be acknowledged as an elder and knowledge-carrier in his own right. Alongside this rich body of traditional knowledge, he also earned a bachelor’s degree in Aboriginal Adult Education, Addictions Counselling Certification, and completed a Men’s Indigenous Social Work Program. At the time of his passing his work focused on ending gender-based violence. He loved serving all communities in whatever way he was needed. He received formal recognition for his service, including the 2018 Muskoka Community Services Recognition Award through the District of Muskoka for his work in women’s circles and addiction recovery. In 2022, he received the Barb Robinson Indigenous Excellence Award through the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation.
He was called home to Sonkwaiantison / Jesus in perfect time to continue his work in spirit. We will celebrate Tekasatstennserake’s life and support one another through a traditional Onkwehonweh condolence ceremony and feast at his home, located at 2251 Aspdin Rd, Utterson On. An ongoing 24/7 ceremonial fire will be held from October 7th to sunrise October 18th for family and community to pay their respects. A viewing in the family home for immediate family and relatives will be held on Tuesday, October 15th, and a community viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 16th, from 10 am – 10 pm. To volunteer or for more information, please contact 905-975-6423. His burial will take place in Muskoka with immediate family in the near future. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.lgwallace.ca
“Wait for me my Love”
Kanekatatie (Water that flows continuously)
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