Sarah “Charlotte” “Chalot” Matasawagon (Mendowegan) Sunrise August 28, 1950 Sunset April 25, 2023
The Creator has called and welcomed a beautiful, gentle and kind spirit to the “Forever Homelands”
Chalot was a true and natural Anishinabe artisan who mastered the traditional art form of intricate beadwork, moose hide slippers and gloves. Creations also included traditional regalia like the Jingle Dress and her famous ribbon shirts. Each piece was carefully crafted with attention to detail and love of a tradition which was passed down to her. She would often be seen right beside her Singer sewing machine.
Chalot’s work was not just about creating beautiful objects; she also loved to prepare and harvest traditional food and medicines; it is a responsibility of preserving and passing on cultural traditions that she placed value. Through her art, she connected with her ancestors and kept the Anishinabe culture alive. She was keenly aware of her responsibility to pass down knowledge and wisdom to the younger generations.
She can be remembered by teaching traditional practices, such as the language, spirituality, and customs, as well as sharing stories and experiences that helped younger generations understand their history and identity. She loved her homelands, she had a great ability to effortlessly lift the spirits of others around her by providing love, care and laughter.
Sarah Charlotte “Chalot” attended the Aroland Indian Day School and was often heard that this will never happen again to “Our Children”. She honored her connection to the Creator and became an active member of the Kitchitwa Kateri Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Pre-deceased by her parents: Joseph and Jane (Megan) Mendowegan; sister: Josephine Mendowegan, Lottie (Mendowegan) Mobishwash, Alice (Mendowegan) Kashkish brothers: Archie Mendowegan, Geno Mendowegan, Daniel Matasawagon, Pius Mendowegan, Alex Matasawagon, James Matasawagon and Donald Matasawagon.
She is survived by Sister Maggie (Mendowegan) Magiskan (Daniel). Beloved mom to Andrea Matasawagon, Hilary Atlookan, Precious Gram to Clarissa Matasawagon, Kirkland Matasawagon, Great Gram to Haven Matasawagon.
Chalot had many many nieces and nephews whom she had a special relationship to each and every one of them. When speaking of any one of her nieces and nephews she was extremely proud, cousins, In-laws (who were just like brothers/sisters to her). Andrew “Andy” Williams was her personal chauffeur the time spent together was filled with huge “belly laughter”, caring and sharing; Andy was completely devoted to his favorite Aunt. Chalot loved her chums, her bingo buddies especially Nancy and Ella, anyone who Chalot knew she deeply loved them all.
Funeral Mass for Sarah “Charlotte” “Chalot” Matasawagon (Mendowegan) will take place on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G. Burial will follow at Aroland First Nation Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Blake Funeral Chapel from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm with prayers offered by Father Gerry McDougall.
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of me went with you, the day the Creator called you home!
