JOSEPH STANLEY MICHEL On Thursday, July 2, 2009 Secwepemc elder Joseph Stanley Cicwélst Michel passed away at the age of 79 years. His great passion for life and generosity of spirit has inspired many generations of First Nations to reconnect with their "tribal heart" through language, culture and education. Joe was a man of many talents who shared his gifts with a gentle humbleness that connected him to so many people. He was an all-round athlete with fierce competitiveness; an educator and philosopher; a writer and orator; a cultural treasure and linguist; a husband and a father; and beloved Slé7e Joe to hundreds of Chief Atahm students and community members. Joe was born at Cstélen (Adams Lake) on December 3rd, 1929, the eldest child of Eddy and Sarah Michel. He always credited the circle of elders who mentored him as a young child for providing him with the training and fortitude he needed to become a community leader. He was the first Kamloops Indian Residential School graduate and the first residential school graduate in Western Canada. He continued his education to become one of the first Aboriginal teachers in the Kamloops School District. Throughout his 37 years of teaching and counseling he promoted the value of education to countless young people. After retirement, Joe went on to play a pivotal role in the development of the Chief Atahm School Secwepemc Immersion Program on the Adams Lake Reserve. His generous gifts of stories, writings, and teachings helped provide the cultural underpinnings for this successful program. His exemplary life history culminated in receiving a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his work in Education in 2007. His last words conveyed his love of family, "take care of each other". He leaves a large circle of family and friends to cherish his spirit. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Anne and their nine children; Timothy (Madeline), Arthur (Stacey), Kenneth, Maureen (Ron), Janice (Ken), Peter (Janice), Kathryn (Rob), Denise (Reg), 19 grandchildren, and an ever growing circle of great grandchildren. His siblings Lawrence, Joyce, Bertha and Adam and his Aunt Ethel (John), and cousin Betty, and numerous relatives also mourn his passing. Joe now joins his parents and siblings Alec, Albert, Julia, and Hubert in the spirit world where he will continue guiding future generations of leaders. The family would like to invite all his family and friends to a celebration of his life at the Adams Lake Reserve Gymnasium across the bridge from Chase, BC. Wake to be held Sunday, July 5th, 2009 from 7pm to midnight. Mass and burial Monday, July 6th, 2009 at 11 a.m.