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PHILIP CAMPBELL (CAM) MACKIE
Born: Dec 01, 1937
Date of Passing: May 23, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPHILIP CAMPBELL (CAM) MACKIE
Cam was born in Winnipeg to Joan and Philip Mackie. Although he accomplished much professionally, Cam would happily tell you that his greatest accomplishments and sources of joy were his two boys and their families: Christopher, his wife Mischa, the three granddaughters, Evelyn, Gwen and Alexandra, and William Campbell Mackie (he was thrilled with this name); and Craig, his wife Caitriona, and their sons Zibi and Emmet. He and his wife Doris Mae were a devoted couple. He loved storytelling, the opera, good scotch, cinnamon hearts, the cabin, and dark chocolate.
Cam Mackie started his career as an activist: first with Frontier College, then on the streets of north Winnipeg and then within the bureaucracy of the federal government.
His days with Frontier College (now Literacy Canada) were formative. He worked during the day on the railway gang (leading to a lifelong love of trains and pocket watches), and in the evening he taught English to the workers – many of whom were immigrants with little English. His days as a labourer teacher led him to being chair of the board of Frontier College and being made a member emeritus.
After leaving university, where he was politically active, he began working on the streets of north Winnipeg where his proudest hour was organizing a march on city hall with citizens demanding better housing.
From this he was recruited to help organize the youth initiative of PM Pearson’s War on Poverty, the Company of Young Canadians. Projects across the country ranged widely but many focused on sustainable development and had the beginnings of reconciliation with the funding of the NFB’s Indian Film Crew and The Company of Young Native Canadians.
He went on to run Opportunities for Youth, Local Initiatives Program, Local Employment Assistance Program, Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies and the Native Economic Development Program. He used his time as ADM Indian and Northern Affairs to continue the recognition of the importance of Indigenous people controlling their own destinies, appointing respected Indigenous leaders to head regional operations and closing most of the residential schools. He was an honourary member of the Peguis Band.
Having left the federal government, in the second phase of his career he was a collector of people. He ran the Knightsbridge HR practice and then joined his wife in her management consulting company.
He was active in the Winnipeg community, serving on the board of Manitoba Film and Sound and treasurer for Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.
He was a fine and honourable man.
Service will be at 10:00 a.m., December 2, at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church (there will be kilts) and virtually: https://twitch.tv/crescentfortrougelive
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 25, 2023, Nov 25, 2023
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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The mention of Cam Mackie brings back the memory of a Winnipeg citizen activist and public figure whose life work signified social justice and human rights regardless of racial, religious, or ethnic differences. He inspired many of us through the seventies and eighties to speak up and stand up as activists for social justice and human rights and a brighter future for everyone, especially for the dispossessed and first people of our land. Today, no doubt thanks in part to his vision and those he inspired, Manitoba can boast having the first Indigenous Premier in Canada. Thank you Mr.Mackie. Miigwetch. Laura Steiman Shofley - Posted by: Laura Leah Steiman (Admirer and fellow activist emeritus) on: Nov 27, 2023
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I first met Mr. Mackie in 2015 while I was working at Winnipeg Hearing Centres, and also attending Grant MacEwan University. The appointment ahead of him had unfortunately run late, but fortunate enough for me this gave me the opportunity for more time to converse with him. He noticed my text books in front of me and asked me what I had been studying. I had been stressed for an upcoming exam, and felt no issue venting to this kind stranger. I was frustrated because I felt I needed more time to study, and our busy waiting room wasn't the ideal environment for this. Mr. Mackie wasted no time, ensuring me that I would be prepared and praised me for my tenacity to get things done. Fast forward 2 years, where I had now graduated. Mr. Mackie was booking his yearly appointment at the hearing center, and had asked about the young girl who used to work at the front. He was then advised that she had graduated, and had been working at a different office, but was still with the same company. Mr. Mackie was my first client I ever had ask for me by name, He always made me feel so capable, where often I had been looked at as young with lack of experience. We spent the last 7 years sharing stories. During appointments it was so apparent how proud he was of his wife and kids. We would often talk about his family cabin where he loved to visit, and upcoming travel plans. Mr. Mackie will be a face I miss dearly in my waiting room. HIs positivity and kindness he brought to our busy days in office were appreciated more than he knew. Sending condolences to all family and friends. - Posted by: Paige (Hearing aid help) on: Nov 27, 2023