Bi mogsed giizis (Sunrise): December 4, 1938 –
Nibgishmog (Sunset): December 19, 2025
Dr. Shirley Ida Eliza Mary Immaculata Pheasant Cywink Williams — Migizi Ow Kwe, of the Bineshiinh Doodem — began her journey to the Spirit World on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current, at 87 years of age. Born in South Bay, Wiikwemkoong, Manitoulin Island, Shirley was the daughter of the late John ba Simon and Nancy (Shigwadja) Naganigwane ba (Pheasant). She carried her family, her community, and her language with deep love and responsibility throughout her life. Inspired by the late Josephine Ba Mandamin, Shirley became a dedicated Water Walker, answering the call to protect the waters for future generations. Together with her niece Liz Osawamick, she led Nibi Emosaawdamajig (Those Who Walk For The Water), the Kawartha Lakes Water Walks for 16 years, offering her footsteps, prayers, and teachings to the waters and to all who joined her along the way. Shirley was also a Third Degree Midewiwin Kwe from the Minweyweywigaan Midewiwin Lodge in Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. She lived her teachings with humility, strength, and unwavering commitment, always guided by ceremony and the responsibilities she carried as a Knowledge Keeper. A Life Devoted to Anishinaabemowin Shirley was one of the most influential Anishinaabemowin educators and language champions of her generation. A survivor of St. Joseph’s Residential School in Spanish, Ontario, she braided Anishinaabemowin despite the harms she endured, becoming a leading force in its revitalization. She earned her BA in Native Studies from Trent University, completed the Native Language Instructors Program at Lakehead University, and later received her Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies from York University. Her academic path reflected her lifelong commitment to ensuring Anishinaabemowin would continue to thrive for future generations. Beginning in 1986, she taught at Trent University, where she shaped the Indigenous Studies and language programs with vision, discipline, and generosity. She was one of the first Professors on Turtle Island to be recognized for her traditional knowledge. Upon her retirement in 2004, she was named Professor Emerita, a recognition of her profound impact on students, colleagues, and the field of Indigenous language education. Shirley authored and co- authored numerous Anishinaabemowin resources, dictionaries, and teaching materials, many of which remain foundational for learners and educators today. Her work was rooted in community, ceremony, and the teachings passed down from her parents and Elders. In 2017, she received an Honorary Doctor of Laws for her outstanding contributions to Indigenous language pedagogy and community leadership. She was instrumental in the foundation of Anishinaabemowin Teg in 1995, guide steadying the organization from its earliest days. Her leadership embodied continuity, integrity, and living transmission of Anishinaabemowin knowledge. A Life of Service In addition to her academic and cultural leadership, Shirley also opened the first Kozy Corner Restaurant in Wiikwemkoong, creating a gathering place remembered fondly by many. She was nominated for the Juno Award with Nimkii and the Niniis in 2024, nomination was in the category of Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year. Her legacy lives on in every speaker, every learner, every teacher, and every child who will grow up hearing Anishinaabemowin because of her life’s work. She leaves behind a circle of family, community, and students who will continue to carry her teachings forward. Family and Loved Ones Shirley is survived by her daughter Janette Corston (Ken), and was a proud and loving grandmother to Ramona Ense and Jeremy Ense ba, and great-grandmother to Emma, Marie, and Ayden. She was a loving special mother to Chris Pheasant ba (Joanna) and godson Marc Pheasant (Monica); and a cherished godmother to Kenneth Pheasant, Robert Pheasant, Arthur Neshkiwe, Nancy Kinoshameg and Pam Manitowabi. She was a traditional mother to Andrea Williams, and a traditional grandmother to Cortlin and Lydia Williams, as well as to Miigwaans and Florence Osawamick Sagassige. Shirley will be deeply missed by her siblings: James-ba (Celina-ba), Jerome ba (Thecla-ba), Isadore-ba (Verna), Lavina-ba (John Lewis-ba), Eva ba (Nick Cywink ba Sr.), Agnes-ba (Henry Webkamigad-ba), Rosella (Jim Kinoshameg), Barb (Tom Nolan ba Sr.), and Jean Pheasant ba. She held a special bond with her niece Elizabeth (Liz) Osawamick and spirit son Isadore Toulouse, and is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews and many cousins. She is also remembered by her special friends Arthur Coaco, Louise Garrow, Rita Sands and Chris Welter in addition to her godson Marc Pheasant (Monica), goddaughter Nancy Kinoshameg, nephew Lindy Kinoshameg, and Robin Cottrelle who was one of her main caregivers, living with her during her final months. All of whom held a meaningful place in her life. Community gatherings and final instructions: Family and community were received at the Wiikwemkoong Arena on Sunday, December 21, 2025 after 1 pm. A Sacred Fire was lit at high noon on December 21, 2025. Wake services were held Sunday at 7 pm and Monday at 7 pm, followed by final instructions and traditional ceremony, led by Edna Manitowabi and Gerard Sagassige. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11 am at Holy Cross Mission Church (2525 Wikwemikong Way, Wiikwemkoong, Manitoulin Island). Cremation to follow.
