B Joan Webkamigad was born on February 11, 1941, the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Pamp, and passed away on May 25, 2015 at the age of 74.
She was a life-long educator and activist for the American Indian people and many credit her with helping them to achieve academic success. She was a fierce defender of Anishinaabe culture, languages and religion. She helped to pass the Native American Languages Act of 1990. She also marched to Washington on "The Longest Walk" and helped to get the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 passed.
She was a proud Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Odawa and Midewin woman of the Eagle Clan. Her great loves were her grandchildren, pow wows, the Red Wings and her alma mater, Lansing Eastern High School Class of '59. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Judith Pamp; brother, Charles Mouz Pamp; niece, Shiloh Soney Alvis. Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter, Bedahbin Webkamigad; sons, Anung and Mang Webkamigad and Morgan Pope; grandchildren, Zhaawosh, Bess and Ewaaseset Bardy and Ian Pope; nehews, Miengun (Melissa) Auzhibek and Che Pamp; brothers, Paul (Valorie) Johnson and Terry (Tari) Wareham; and many other beloved relatives.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday May 29, 2015 at Dhammasala Forest Monastery-Buddhist Temple, 14780 Beardslee, Perry, MI. The family will receive friends from 4:00~6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI. For those desiring, contributions may be made in memory of B Joan to Childrens Miracle Network c/o Sparrow Hospital, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.