Aaron Therriault – Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit)
August 19, 1964 – March 14, 2026
Aaron Therriault, also known as Animikii Gaaboowii (Thunder Spirit), began his journey to the Spirit World on March 14, 2026, passing away suddenly while enjoying a vacation in Punta Cana.
He was born August 19, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Aaron was from Aroland First Nation and made Thunder Bay his home starting in 1983. There he built a life centered around family, community, and cultural roots.
Aaron was connected to Indigenous culture all his life and remembered taking part in ceremonies since he was seven years old. This deep connection guided him throughout life as a knowledge keeper, spiritual advisor, and Elder who shared teachings, led ceremonies, and worked hard to promote Anishinaabe language and traditions.
He studied at Confederation College where he trained as a welder and pipefitter. He stayed involved with the college over the years-bringing kindness and wisdom to students and staff alike. Aaron introduced the Big Drum and ceremony on campus which created important spaces for cultural learning and connection. Many people were touched by his stories, songs, and presence.
After graduating he worked at Superior Trailers among other jobs before starting his own business called Arowood Timber. Eventually he shifted focus toward helping others by working with Nodin as a mental health counsellor where he offered care and understanding to many folks.
Aaron spent much of his life connecting with people and supporting communities. He often used the Thunder Spirit drum for singing, drumming ceremonies, teachings, and guidance-traveling as a host drum group to pow wows across the region and beyond. For him those gatherings were more than just events-they felt like family gatherings where song, prayer, teaching blended into one strong community bond. People said meeting Aaron made them feel noticed and cared for; his generosity and spirit reached far.
He also served on the Thunder Bay Police Service Elders Council providing advice while leading Gawendum Gaakina Awaya (“Protect Everyone and Everything”) Reconciliation Training sessions. Recently he shared lessons through circles with Nishnawbe Aski Police Service that left lasting impressions on everyone involved.
Aaron spread his cultural knowledge widely through groups like 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-and more.
Many described Aaron’s teachings and songs as healing medicine-showing up just when they were most needed. He led quietly without seeking attention but showed true leadership by being steady humble support devoted completely to his people’s well-being. His message encouraged everyone to stay close to their identity plus culture plus community ties.
In hospitals you could often spot Aaron walking halls smiling softly holding onto his drum while supporting patients along with Spiritual Care teams-sitting beside many near end of life moments helping them prepare for their passage into the Spirit World with gentle compassion that comforted both patients themselves plus families too.
A big gift of Aaron’s was sharing Anishinaabe names through ceremony which planted seeds for healing journeys forward in positive ways that future generations will continue carrying forth.
Family meant everything to him – he loved deeply without condition – proud husband for over thirty years married to Monique Turpin – devoted dad not only biologically but also guiding others lucky enough call him Dad too – always put family first no matter what else was going on – especially loved yearly Florida vacations filled with laughter together making memories lasting forever.
Besides that Aaron enjoyed adventures including cars especially sports cars-that’s just part of how he embraced living fully finding happiness wherever it came up-as rock steady presence within siblings’ lives offering love support whenever needed too.
He leaves behind wife Monique Turpin of 32 years; kids Aaron Jr.(Jessi), Lexus , Jade , Annishii ; foster kids Cheya , Cheyne , Cheyd. Also surviving are mother Cecilia ; sisters Betsy (Tony), Cleo (Richard), Queenie (John) , Cathy ; brother Reggie ; Aunt Effie ; plus lots of nieces nephews cousins extended family members.
Aaron was preceded in death by father Johnny Therriault ; brother Lawrence Therriault ; grandparents Felix & Madeline Therriault along with several aunts uncles cousins.
Aaron lived gently helped freely followed good ways throughout life. His spirit songs teachings keep echoing among those who knew him best. A Sacred Fire burned four days honoring him spiritually calling Creator guide home per Anishinaabe tradition ceremony style. He’ll be missed deeply yet still lives on strongly especially inside pow wow circle where family feelings run deepest.
The family sends heartfelt thanks out for all support received during this time including Aroland First Nation , ONWA , Nishnawbe Aski Nation , Matawa , Thunder Bay Police , Nishnawbe Aski Police ; Jessi Audrey Deroy Fire Keepers Jade Lexus Aaron Jr Sean Stevens Tecumseh helpers Keewaten Yooie. Special gratitude goes Jan Ritchie Bob Simon pipe ceremony eagle staffs plus all friends colleagues relatives sharing food drinks medicines songs memories. The closing ceremony led Terry Fiddler Sam Ancheenpinskum supported Anna Betty Anchneepiniskum honored greatly too.
Funeral services are scheduled Saturday March 28th 2026 at 1:00pm WESTFORT CHAPEL located at 420 West Gore Street near James. Staying after cremation visitation Wake Friday night runs from five until nine o’clock same place Chapel.
Please leave your condolences online at everestofthunderbay. com
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