02/06/2024
Wii-njimenmongid (In Loving Memory of)
Giniw Bemaazhid (Golden Eagle Soaring By)
Corey Dennis Aurel Jacobs (Osawamick)
Anishinaabe Nini of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Aajijaak Doodeman (Crane Clan)
Bi-Mogsed-Giizis (Sunrise) September 24, 1986 to Nibgishmog (Sunset) February 3, 2024
Corey Jacobs-ba aka Chi-Gimaa from Wikwemkoong Unceded Territory began his Spirit Journey in the early morning of Saturday February 3, 2024. He passed away suddenly from a heart condition. He did not experience any pain or suffering, exiting the world as he came into it: peacefully. Corey-ba leaves behind his two-month-old daughter Kara-J and his wife Kandis (Starr), daughter of Leonard Starr from Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba and the late Evelyn Starr (Patrick) from Roseau River First Nation, Manitoba. Kandis is supported by her siblings Terance, Chucky, Misty, Karlene, Geronimo, and Anita and the late Amanda. Corey-ba and Kandis have made Alderville First Nation their home for the last 18 years.
Grandson of the late Florence and John-ba Osawamick of Wiikwemkoong and the late Gladys Jacobs-ba of Atikameksheng, son of Liz Osawamick and the late Leo Jacobs-ba from Atikameksheng, step-son to Gerard Sagassige, brother to Shaun (Lorraine), Lindsay (Shawn), Norma-Jean, Cynthia (Elwood), Nimkii (Sarain), Michael, Miigwaans, Florence, Beedahbin Peltier (Kylie), Destiny Day, special cousin-sister Elena Manitowabi and good friends Chris and Caleb Smoke and Jen and Dave Niles. He also lived with the Kinoshameg family when he was in high school. Corey-ba was also known as one of the best uncles to numerous nieces and nephews and he, himself, was nephew, cousin, and friend to many. He was predeceased by his God-Mother Darlene-ba Joan Rivers (Randy) in addition to his sister Marion-ba Bourgeois plus numerous other aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Corey-ba was accomplished in many areas. He was a Chef at Symposium Café in Cobourg doing one of the many things he loved: cooking for the people. He could also be found during the summer at the famous Osawamick Food Booth at Pow Wows and often worked for his cousin Hiawatha, who inspired him, with her catering business. Corey-ba was certified as a solar panel technician. He was the first commentator for BTC Fight Promotions. He was the Manager at Neejees/The Trading Post in Alderville for years where he connected with so many people. Corey-ba was a Videographer, Radio Announcer, Bingo Runner, Actor, and Model. He trained at CIT in Anishinaabe Theater and, subsequently, landed a role on Stephen King’s film adaptation of IT, one of his most favourite movies. He got roles as an extra in other films, too. No surprise that his favourite holiday was Halloween and he loved horror movies! He and Kandis were known for throwing the best Halloween parties ever. Corey-ba is also remembered for his music video parties, rez-style. He loved to dance and one of his favourite routines was Thriller by Michael Jackson. Finally, he, Kandis, Destiny, and Dakota Simpson were entrepreneurs, running Alderville’s Curbside Cannabis.
Amongst his many talents, Corey-ba was further known as an advocate and protector of Indigenous women, and children, producing documentaries for MMIWG2TS+. He was a Water Walker for many years, carrying the Eagle Staff for the Water Walks his mom Liz and Zigos Shirley Williams organized.
Corey-ba was a “hard-core” father and husband. A true family man, he loved his wife and daughter beyond everything. He wrote a children’s book, and it will be published for Kara-J. We have to mention his special Nimoshag (dogs) Bebe who passed away and Pepper Potz who is still with the family and we can't forget Elvis the cat.
He was known as one of the most kindest, gentlest, and caring Anishinaabe Nini that could be. His mom, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, relatives, cousins, and friends were central to his life. One of his most cherished projects was researching the genealogy of his Osawamick, Starr, and Jacobs families. Corey-ba was very proud to have committed to Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the Good Life) alongside Kandis. They chose a sober life to be an example to their daughter, the youth, and his families. He will be deeply missed by all.
The Sacred Fire was lit on February 3rd behind the Alderville Trading Post, 8662 County Road 45, Alderville First Nation at the residence of his former boss, Irene Starr. Corey-ba will arrive in Alderville First Nation on Wednesday and visitation will begin at 4:20 pm. Everyone is welcome to come and offer semaa and pay respects to his family there.
Corey-ba will travel to Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory Thursday morning with the visitation at Wiikwemkoong Arena beginning at 7 pm. He will be returning to one of his most favourite places when he was young. He was even a part of the Little NHL, winning the Novice C-Championship.
No one expects to go through a devastating, sudden loss…everything becomes more difficult as some of you might know; so, thinking especially of his wife Kandis and his brand-new baby girl Kara-J, we want to show the love Anishinaabeg are known for. If you have the capacity, monetary donations will be greatly appreciated. Funds will go directly to his wife and baby to assist them through this difficult time.
You can e-transfer:
[email protected]
Gchi-miigwech on behalf of the Jacobs, Osawamick, and Starr families for all your love and support. Please share far and wide.
