Persona

Lafond, David Joseph

April 6, 1928-

David Joseph Lafond was born on April 6, 1928, at home at Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. The second of twelve children born to August and Rose (nee Moreau) Lafond, Dave spent his first ten years living with his parents on Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. In 1937, he was sent to St. Michael's Indian Residential School in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan where he attended until 1944. After returning home, David lived with his grandparents Andrew and Madeline (nee Greyeyes) Lafond, where he helped with his grandfather's small farm; a farm that David likened to 'a large garden nowadays.' To earn extra money, Dave would work as a farm hand during harvest season. David left the reserve in the spring of 1948 to work in Squamish, British Columbia, where he installed footings for power lines. Following that, he moved to Ontario where he worked in the Red Lake gold mine. David began his lengthy career in farming after his return from Ontario in 1949. He started out with four horses, two cows, and a plow, and cleared the land by hand with a hired helper. David purchased land on and around Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, where he farmed to create a very successful career for himself. David married Eva Venne on October 25, 1950. Their first home was a 'log shack' that David built with five hundred dollars. In 1951, David was able to purchase his first tractor, which made things a little easier, enabling him to work more land. David and Eva lived in their cabin until 1961. Six of their seven children were born while they lived there. (Lester David 1951, Joyce Marilyn 1953, Kirk Patrick 1955, Elvis Brennon 1957-2001, Janet Lucille 1959, Melody Rose 1961) In 1961, David was able to build a larger home for his family near their original homestead. Their seventh child Lois Louise was born in 1964 while they were living in the new three-bedroom home. David was actively involved with the Crown Hill 4-H club for thirty-five years. In 2003, he was honored by the Angus Cattle Association at the Regina Agribition for his contribution to the 4-H Club. David was also very involved with sports. He played hockey for the Aldina Prolites until he broke his arm in 1957. Though unable to play any longer, he remained an avid sports enthusiast. David served as a councilor for Muskeg Lake Cree Nation for thirty years beginning in 1966 until 1996. He also served as Acting Chief 1989 to 1990. On April 21, 1998, David's wife, Eva, of 47 years passed away. David Joseph Lafond resides at his home on Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, where he farms with his grandson Stacy Sutherland, continuing the tradition of his family.

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