Susie Ann Kicknosway Jones (1937-2019) is from the Bkejwanong Territory, also known as Walpole Island First Nation. Suzie attended Shingwauk Residential School from the age four and a half (1941) until she was sixteen in 1953. She graduated from the Technical School, Sault Ste. Marie in 1953. During her time at Shingwauk, Susie won the Ontario "Royal Challenge Trophy for Accuracy" a typist award and an accomplishment Susie was very proud of.
After graduating Susie moved to Michigan and worked in social services. She married her husband Vernon Jones at age 18 and together they raised six children. Susie spent a number of years as a Social Service Worker in Detroit Michigan. She returned to Walpole Island when she retired at 55. Susie has been a Board of Education trustee for the Lambton Kent Distract School Board. She has also held numerous positions within the Walpole First Nation including a position on council, the health committee, advisor, and a member of the board of education. In retirement, Susie was able to dedicate much time to her passion for sharing the story of her experience with residential school. Susie spent a lot of time helping people understand the truth about Canada’s history. Susie’s kind heart also made sure that people learned about this part of our history with truth and kindness.
Susie was one of the founding members of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) and sits on the Shingwauk Educational Trust (SET). Susie has held many roles within CSAA and SET including spokesperson, vice-president, and president. In 2011, Susie was awarded an Ontario Senior Achievement Award by the Ontario Seniors' Secretariat.
As a founding member of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, Susie served three terms as the President (six years in total). She also served as Vice-President and most recent held the post of Treasurer. Susie and her family took great pride and had great love for the sacredness of this site, one of her most generous gifts was taking care of the Cemetery with her family helping her on every visit to campus in the spring, summer and fall months.
Susie passed away to her eternal home on July 13, 2019.
