'We all loved her': Poplar River First Nation grieves death of recently elected Chief Tanya Bittern
CBC
Family members and people in Poplar River First Nation are remembering the community's newly elected chief who died just four days after being elected.
Chief Tanya Bittern, who was a councillor for the community before becoming chief, died following a medical issue on Nov. 2 after being airlifted to Winnipeg from Poplar River a day earlier, according to family.
"That was kind of a shocker because she was still fine and healthy on Thursday when she came to work," said Ed Hudson, Bittern's uncle who recently served with her as a band councillor.
Bittern was supposed to start her term as chief on Nov. 4, according to Hudson.
"She was very excited and looking forward to starting to work as the chief," he said. "I was also looking forward to her leadership."
Poplar River, a remote, fly-in First Nation located approximately 310 kilometres north of Winnipeg, is home to approximately 1,200 people.
Vera Mitchell, the community's longtime chief, did not seek re-election this fall, and Bittern won an election held on Oct. 29.
Mitchell said she's known Bittern since she was a child. They also worked together on council.
"I always kind of took her under my wing," Mitchell said. "I looked after her, mentored her."
They were supposed to talk on Nov. 3, before Bittern officially took over as chief but they never got the chance.
Mitchell did send her an email congratulating Bittern on becoming her successor.
"I was really proud of her because she's very community-oriented and she's a very good people person," Mitchell said. "She had patience and she was honest and always looked out for everybody."
Coun. Darcy Bruce is serving as acting chief until next steps are decided on, Mitchell says.
Right now the focus in the community is on honouring Bittern.
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