'He was a special guy': Musqueam First Nation holds celebration of life for Gino Odjick
Hundreds gathered at the Musqueam Cultural Centre Saturday to honour the life of former Vancouver Canuck Gino Odjick.
"He was our brother," said Musqueam First Nation Chief Wayne Sparrow.
"All across First Nations everybody knows him, so he's just well-known everywhere. Kind-hearted and loveable."
Odjick died last month from a severe heart attack after years of battling a rare, terminal heart illness.
Sparrow says he and Odjick became instant friends when the latter moved to Vancouver in the early 1990s, even living together for some time.
Several people shared their personal stories with CTV News on how Odjick impacted their lives.
"I was probably taking a path that wasn't the greatest," said long-time friend Robert Hughes.
Hughes says he met Odjick in his 20s when he was hanging around a rough crowd. He believes Odjick's influence changed the direction of his life.
"It would have been a different path, definitely, and I don't think I'd be standing here to tell you this story," Hughes said.
He says Odjick would take him to workshops where he'd help Indigenous youth. Hughes credits the eye-opening experience with helping turn his life around.
Pat Alec, an Indigenous man who grew up near Lillooet, says Odjick always made time for his community.
"You know, I got to know him, started calling him 'Uncle Gino,' and he used to come in, play ball hockey and do speeches to the community," said Alec.
Alec said they kept in touch through the years. He even visited Odjick in the hospital when the former Canuck was first diagnosed with the rare disease.
"It's kind of like when you talk to him, you kind of knew him already for years," said Alec.
Some of Odjick's former teammates also attended the event.
"He had that presence and he would walk somewhere and everybody would know 'this is Gino,'" said former teammate Martin Gelinas.
"He was a special guy."
During the ceremony, Odjick's family sat front-row, wearing Canucks jerseys.
"It's nice to see all his friends and family come here to gather and it's really nice to see everyone still loves him," said Bure Odjick, Gino's son.
Gino Odjick was 52-years-old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Officials: 2 dead, 5 missing in chocolate factory explosion
An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania on Friday killed two people and left five people missing, authorities said. One person was pulled from the rubble overnight.
Putin says Russia will station tactical nukes in Belarus
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans on Saturday to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a warning to the West as it steps up military support for Ukraine.
Risk of a hard landing for Canadian economy is up, former Bank of Canada governor says
Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz says Canada’s economy is at a greater risk of a 'hard landing' — a rapid economic slowdown following a period of growth and approaching a recession.
Canadians view own country favourably but many unsure about Canada's system of government: survey
A recent study by the Angus Reid Institute found Canadians view their country more positively than Americans do, but only a slight majority of people in Canada believe their system of government is good.
Russia 'largely stalled' in Bakhmut, shifting focus, U.K. says
The top commander of Ukraine's military said Saturday that his forces were pushing back against Russian troops in the long and grinding battle for the town of Bakhmut, and British military intelligence says Russia appears to be moving to a defensive strategy in eastern Ukraine.
Trump rallying supporters in Waco ahead of possible charges
Staring down a possible indictment, a defiant Donald Trump is hoping to put on a show of force Saturday at the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign, in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
'Everything is interwoven': Trudeau and Biden vow continued Canada-U.S. collaboration during historic visit
U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced updates on a number of cross-border issues, after a day of meetings on Parliament Hill.
Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
The new asylum seeker agreement between Canada and the United States will not deter migrants from trying to cross into Canada outside official ports of entry, Quebec immigration advocacy groups say.
U.S. President Joe Biden given Maritime-made Peace by Chocolate bar during visit to Ottawa
U.S. President Joe Biden was given a Maritime-made sweet treat during his visit to Ottawa on Friday.
Vancouver Island
-
Lack of staff leads to more BC Ferries cancellations
BC Ferries cancelled several sailings because of a lack of crew Saturday, including two trips between Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland.
-
Federal government, B.C. and Indigenous nation sign care co-ordination deal
The delivery of child and family services grounded in Indigenous culture and community was celebrated Friday in British Columbia's north Okanagan with the signing of the province's first care co-ordination services agreement.
-
Veterinarian shortage on Vancouver Island only expected to get worse
Finding timely veterinary care in British Columbia has long been a frustration for many, and it's only getting worse as vets retire from the profession.
Calgary
-
Grammy-nominated composer Nicholas Lloyd Webber dies from stomach cancer
Andrew Lloyd Webber's son Nicholas died Saturday.
-
Halfway to cat cow: Calgarians enjoy kitty yoga for a cause
Cats searching for their forever homes darted in and out of eager yogis in Kensington Saturday morning.
-
‘Beef for Biden’: Alberta favourite featured on dinner menu for presidential visit to Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and United States President Joe Biden shared dinner together for the first time Friday evening in Ottawa and a world-renowned Alberta favourite was included on the menu.
Edmonton
-
Canadians view own country favourably but many unsure about Canada's system of government: survey
A recent study by the Angus Reid Institute found Canadians view their country more positively than Americans do, but only a slight majority of people in Canada believe their system of government is good.
-
Golden Knights next in line to try and stop Connor McDavid
Although Connor McDavid recently became the 22nd player in NHL history to score 60 goals in a season, the player says his focus is on trying to help the Oilers continue their climb up the Pacific Division standings when they host the first-place Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
-
Young athletes test their skills at Community Combine at Commonwealth Stadium
Young athletes were invited to test their skills at the Community Combine at Commonwealth Stadium.
Toronto
-
Ontario to end program providing health care to uninsured residents
The Ontario government will be ending a program that provides health-care services to uninsured people at the end of the month, something doctors say is extremely concerning for marginalized communities.
-
Undercover cops cleared in fatal shooting of armed suspect in Markham, Ont.
Two undercover police officers have been cleared of wrongdoing after firing 45 bullets from their guns when faced with two armed suspects in Markham, Ont., killing one and seriously injuring another.
-
Ontario woman kicks off 'long shot' search for wedding dress after dad mistakenly donates it
A woman in southern Ontario is making a plea to the public and kicking off a "long shot" search for her wedding dress after her father accidentally donated it earlier this year.
Montreal
-
Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
The new asylum seeker agreement between Canada and the United States will not deter migrants from trying to cross into Canada outside official ports of entry, Quebec immigration advocacy groups say.
-
No one injured in shooting in West Island suburb: police
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating reports of gunshots in the West Island suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Saturday.
-
Questions raised about safety of Old Montreal building destroyed by fatal fire
Police and firefighters have said it's too soon to say what caused the fire. But witnesses have raised questions about safety, including whether smoke detectors were working and whether there were proper emergency exits.
Winnipeg
-
Canada's Einarson falls 8-5 to Norway in women's curling world championship semis
SANDVIKEN, Sweden - Canada's Kerri Einarson fell 8-5 to Norway's Marianne Roervik in the world women's curling championship semifinals on Saturday.
-
-
'If it ain't broke, don't fix it': Proposed liquor in grocery stores pilot brings mixed reactions
There are mixed feelings in Manitoba about a proposed plan to expand liquor sales and put beer, wine and hard alcohol on the shelves of retailers like grocery stores.
Saskatoon
-
Suspicious death under investigation: Saskatoon police
Saskatoon police are investigating a suspicious death.
-
Sask. RCMP looking for suspects after several guns stolen from store
RCMP in Tisdale are asking for the public’s help finding suspects involved in a theft from a local firearms store.
-
'They busted the locks on our deep freeze': Sask. Cree elder says moose meat was confiscated in raid
An elder from a Saskatchewan First Nation says his home was raided last fall by conservation officers who confiscated moose meat intended for use in a ceremonial gathering and feast.
Regina
-
'Shelter in place': Police operation closes down section of central Regina
Police in Regina advised the public to avoid a section of the city's central neighbourhoods due to a late night operation.
-
Firefighting training program in Melville, Sask. to reopen after receiving $1.8M in funding
The firefighting training program in Melville, Sask. that was put on hold in 2021 is now reopening after receiving $1.8 million in funding.
-
'It’s time for action': Sask. EMS receives small portion of budget's healthcare increase
Saskatchewan’s 2023-24 budget highlighted healthcare as one of its main priorities, with Emergency Medical Services getting a small cut of the new funding.
Atlantic
-
More spring snow to hit the Maritimes Sunday
While one round of snow and rain has passed, another is lined up for the end of the weekend.
-
No injuries reported in 'small explosion' at Université de Moncton
Firefighters and police in New Brunswick responded to an explosion at a lab on the campus of the Université de Moncton Saturday morning.
-
'It was crazy': N.B. teen meets hockey idol Sidney Crosby thanks to Make-a-Wish
A young caner patient from New Brunswick recently had his wish granted and got to spend a day with his hockey hero, Sidney Crosby.
London
-
London police warning public of a 'high risk offender'
The London Police Service has issued a public safety warning due to the release of a 'high risk offender.'
-
Concerned citizen helps foil bank fraud scam: Huron County OPP
A concerned citizen is being credited by police for foiling an elaborate bank fraud scam involving prepaid Visa credit cards that targeted an elderly Huron County resident earlier this month.
-
London’s halls of higher learning packed with prospective students for open houses
London, Ont.’s halls of higher learning were jammed with prospective students Saturday. Both Fanshawe College and Western University held spring open houses.
Northern Ontario
-
New survey suggests people should check receipts before leaving grocery stores
A survey conducted by the Agri-Foods Analytic Lab at Dalhousie University asked more than fifty-five hundred Canadians whether or not they check their grocery store receipts and what do they find when they do so.
-
W5
W5 | Comedian Russell Peters doesn't pull punches in climate of 'cancel culture,' 'political correctness'
CTV W5 speaks with members of the comedy industry, including Russell Peters, for a wide-ranging look at how political correctness and 'cancel culture' has changed the world of stand-up comedy.
-
Mixed feelings, disappointment around the NHL pride night controversies
Two NHL hockey players with northern Ontario roots find themselves in an unwelcomed spotlight after refusing to don pride-themed jerseys.
Kitchener
-
North Perth resident loses $25,000 in lottery scam
Ontario Provincial Police have issued a warning after they say a North Perth resident lost more than $25,000 to fraud.
-
Ontario changes eye exam eligibility for seniors under OHIP
Ontario has reached a funding agreement with optometrists that increases some payments to them, but reduces some coverage for patients, including less frequent general eye exams for seniors.
-
Sold-out crowd celebrates all things pickle in Kitchener
A 'dill-icious' event took over THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener Friday night as Picklefest made its return.