Brant Bardy

Each of us affiliated with the public relations program at FNTI are particularly struck by Brant's passing, given that he was the instructor for one of our most recent courses, "Indigenous Research for PR."

The students loved the course and, even upon the first class meeting fully two months ago, were very complimentary of the knowledge, the passion that Brant brought to them. And in my private conversations with Brant, he took two opportunities to commend these "learners" -- as we say at FNTI -- because they are adult students, with life experiences that lend to greater, more insightful conversations and, to pull from our motto, shared learning. When we respect that each person brings something unique to the table, we all grow.

Very genuinely and (in the case of this program) very tangibly, he will be missed.

The staff at the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte band office composed a tribute of sorts that will be published in the community newsletter early in October, and for those who do not receive our newsletter, I'm printing it here ...


Honouring Brant Bardy


Those who read the Belleville Intelligencer will notice the memo directly influenced this article, published today. In its entirety ...

Mohawk territory loses a friend

Posted By LUKE HENDRY, THE INTELLIGENCER

The Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has lost one of its most public voices.

Brant Bardy, 46, died suddenly in Kingston General Hospital Friday. He had been working as director of nation building for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ) band.

"Brant's passion was his family and his community," his co-workers said Monday in a prepared statement.

Mr. Bardy's work with the band began in 1992, when he was hired as a land researcher. He remained in that role until 1999, then moved to the First Nations Technical Institute.

Mr. Bardy spent seven years at the school, where he helped develop the media program. He returned to the band office in 2006 to accept the job of communications officer.

"Brant was an integral part of many things in the community and at MBQ," band staff said.

They described the married father of four as a man who was active in the community on many fronts.

Mr. Bardy held diplomas in journalism and as a veterinary technician plus a degree in public administration and had "a belief in lifelong learning," the statement said.

His work for the band included serving on the negotiation team for the Culbertson Tract land claim and the Turton Penn Lease Area.

"All of his involvements and educational pursuits contributed to his wealth of knowledge on the community and his ability to provide wise insight and to see all sides of an issue," his co-workers said.

"Working with Brant was a real pleasure. He was kind and upbeat, always willing to take the time to help out a co-worker. Brant was a man of high morals and refused to compromise from what he believed in.

"Brant's vision of a community united despite differences was reflected in his work and involvement within the community. He remained optimistic that change would happen by working hard and bringing the community together.

"We can pay our respects to him by continuing to pursue his vision of a united community."

Mr. Bardy leaves behind his wife, Tonya, and children Natasha, Dakota, Otsi:tsa and Tekahyonhathe, mother Juanita Bardy, three brothers and a sister. He was predeceased by is father, Wesley, and a brother, John Carey.

Visitation continues today at McGlade Funeral Home, 78 Centre St., Deseronto from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m. and from 7 p. m. to 9 p. m. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 11 a. m. at the funeral home with cremation to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation trauma unit.

lhendry@intelligencer.ca