Aaron Therriault – Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit)
August 19, 1964 – March 14, 2026
Aaron Therriault, known as Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit), embarked on his journey to the Spirit World on March 14, 2026. He passed away unexpectedly while enjoying a vacation in Punta Cana.
Born on August 19, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Aaron hailed from Aroland First Nation. In 1983, he settled in Thunder Bay and created a life filled with family, community, and culture.
Aaron had a lifelong connection with Indigenous culture and fondly remembers participating in ceremonies from the age of seven. This deep-rooted relationship shaped him into a knowledge carrier, spiritual advisor, and Elder. His work involved teaching others and advocating for Anishinaabe language and traditions through ceremonies.
He studied welding and pipefitting at Confederation College. Even after graduating, he stayed closely connected to the college community by sharing his teachings and kind spirit with students and staff alike. He introduced the Big Drum and ceremonial practices to the campus environment-creating spaces that encouraged connection and cultural engagement. His storytelling abilities and songs left lasting impressions on many lives.
After finishing his studies, Aaron worked at Superior Trailers before starting his own venture called Arowood Timber. Eventually shifting focus towards helping others led him to work as a mental health counselor with Nodin. He provided compassion and support to many people throughout this role.
Aaron dedicated himself to connecting with others and uplifting communities. Often sought out for support by individuals or organizations through the Thunder Spirit drum-he offered singing, drumming sessions, ceremonies, teachings, and guidance. As part of hosting drums at various pow wows across the region-and beyond-he fostered feelings of family within these cultural circles where he shared song, prayer, teaching while carrying forward the spirit of his people. Many who encountered him noted how he made everyone feel valued and supported through his generosity.
Aaron also served on the Elders Council for Thunder Bay Police Service where he guided members through Gawendum Gaakina Awaya (“Protect Everyone and Everything”) Reconciliation Training sessions. Recently he spread his teachings further via teaching circles with Nishnawbe Aski Police Service-leaving a positive impact on all those fortunate enough to learn from him.
His knowledge about culture-and ceremonial teachings-extended widely across various communities including Nishnawbe Aski Nation; St. Joseph’s Care Group (N’Doo’owe Binesi); ONWA; Confederation College; Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; Anishinaabe Mushkiki; Ka-Na-Chi-Hih among others.
Those close to Aaron often spoke of how timely his teachings were-like medicine arriving just when needed most during life’s challenges. He exemplified true leadership not just by taking center stage but instead leading quietly with humility focused solely upon serving others around him which encouraged individuals stay connected their identity while appreciating culture & community bonds established over time together!
At hospitals too you’d find Aaron walking hallways cheerfully holding onto his drum supporting patients alongside Spiritual Care team members whilst sitting beside those nearing end-of-life journey guiding them along path toward Spirit World bringing comfort both families involved equally during these moments!
Anishinaabe names shared through ceremony formed healing foundations for future generations encouraging good transitions ahead within our respective journeys here alive today together still strong despite losses endured now past us already collectively united one last time again soon continuing onward collectively as well!
The love Aaron had for family was immense; deeply caring unconditionally towards them all! Proud husband & devoted father-it wasn’t just about being “Dad” but rather guiding presence each child cherished having called theirs throughout years spent growing up learning lessons learned along way too! Annual vacations taken annually down south brought laughter connections memories built year after year even more special than before every single time!
He found joy embracing adventures including sports cars which illustrated how much passion flowed naturally throughout daily existence lived fully appreciated experiencing everything possible around him! Strong pillar indeed beloved siblings gained so much strength from constant encouragement showed consistently shown always available lend an ear whenever needed most times occurring regularly amongst each other helping navigate complexities surrounding everyday life experienced together always!
Aaron is survived by Monique Turpin-the wife whom he adored for thirty-two wonderful years-as well as children: Aaron Jr.(Jessi), Lexus, Jade,& Annishii along foster kids Cheya, Cheyne&Cheyd alongside mother Cecilia, sisters Betsy(Tony), Cleo(Richard), Queenie(John)&Cathy, bother Reggie, Aunt Effie,& numerous nieces/nephews/cousins extended families everywhere too numerous mention here alone tonight now left behind feeling lost without him already too soon gone without warning whatsoever surprising us all greatly indeed sadly missing presence day-to-day interactions forevermore etched hearts wherever go next onwards nevertheless together once again somehow eventually someday later awaiting reunion hopeful shining brightly bright shine forth hope eternal remains lit forevermore living brightly united still smiling cheerfully whenever gather closely back together surely!!!
He was preceded in death by father Johnny Therriault brother Lawrence grandparents Felix&Madeline plus several beloved aunties/uncles/cousins very missed dearly long since departed this world sadly forever changed following loss encountered deep sorrow felt deeply within hearts present facing realities experienced steadily until this moment reached now days approaching final farewell soon promised memory live eternally beyond earthly bounds likewise spirits rise upward freedom soar high above us all observing lovingly loving guidance bestowed upon remaining ones below waiting patiently preparing paths ahead boundless possibilities await awaiting arrival anew promise fulfilled finally restored renewed purpose onward thrive spirit flows freely never-ending essence reignite passion hope flourish evermore endless abundance continually cycle reinvigorated life matters evolve profound depth enrich souls endlessly igniting flames burning bright illuminate darkness surround uplift elevate transform whole atmosphere replenishing energies fill empty voids replaced goodness nurturing tranquility peace nourish sustain everlasting wellness growth flourish whole experiences connect strengthen relationships bond emerging stronger never break maintain unity fortified foundations grow roots firmly planted ground firm footing safety homeward bound cherishing beautiful moments share grow brighter radiate positivity warmth love hold sacred close dear held tight warm embrace encourage one another lift unite triumphantly victorious spirited vibrations echo far wide carry forth beyond reach reminding everyone truly remarkable incredible things done capable achieving regardless obstacles faced ahead manageable overcome conquer nothing impossible prevailing hope triumph over adversity shines brightly illuminating pathways lead destined greater heights accomplished dreams realized manifested becomes reality!!
