Testimonials poured in from throughout Mi’kma’ki when the news broke that cousins Ozzy Clair, 28 and Niko Clair, 29, of Paqtnkek died when the Band’s oyster boat capsized shortly after leaving Bayfield wharf on Monday, April 8th. The third crew member, Lenora Prosper, made it to shore with encouragement from Ozzy and Niko before the men were overtaken by the rough waves and cold water. Both men were pronounced dead later that evening at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish.

The community Salite auction raised more than $20,000, with generous gifts donated by families, co-workers, friends and organizations throughout Atlantic Canada.

The Paqtnkek community extends its deepest appreciation for the many prayers and loving support received after this tragic loss. This included Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny sending his crisis team to Paqtnkek all week to support community members in their time of need.

The response also struck a chord with media outlets. Chief Paul (PJ) Prosper shared his community’s grief with reporters from APTN, CBC-TV, several radio stations and newspapers.
“We’re quite close and tight with one and other, so when we suffer a loss of this magnitude it really cuts to the core of the community,” said Chief Prosper. “We’re in the process of getting things together and allowing the healing process to begin.”

Particularly touching was a gift from the editorial cartoonist at the Halifax Chronicle Herald. Michael de Adder donated prints of his memorial, which showed two eagles flying close together low over the water. Framed prints were given to the families, and three smaller copies were auctioned off at the Salite.

The federal Transportation Safety Board and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour are investigating the accident.

If you would like to contribute to the family funds, please send your cheque to Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, 7 Dillon Street, Afton Station, NS B0H 1A0. Wela’lin.

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Ozzy Hubert Clair
1990 – 2019

Clair, Ozzy Hubert, 28, of Paqtnkek Mi’qmaw Nation passed away tragically on April 8, 2019, with his cousin Niko.
Born in Moncton, he was a son of Eunice Marie Bernard and the late Joseph Hubert Clair.

Family was very important to Ozzy. His children were his pride and joy, and he had a special relationship with each of his siblings. Ozzy was known by all for his bright, white smile, which was as contagious as his laugh. He loved fishing with his family and friends, singing and drumming, and working out at the Paqtnkek Fitness Centre. He also adored his dog, Harley Quinn.

Besides his mother, Eunice, he is survived by, his sons, Louie and Rylan Clair, Eskasoni; sisters, Kateri Clair, Ursula Clair and Molij-Jo Bernard, all of Paqtnkek; brother, Joe Roddy Clair, Paqtnkek; maternal aunts, Elizabeth “Betty” Googoo, Sharon Lafford, Sheila Watson, Nancy Bernard, and Barbara Matheson; maternal uncles, Daniel Paul, Wayne Syllliboy, Donald Googoo, and Henry Googoo; paternal aunts, Jacqueline Clair (who was like a second mother), Irene Clair, Sue Ann Clair, and Sue Ellen Clair; paternal uncles, Gary Clair, Wayne Clair, Anthony Atoen, Ronnie Clair, and Calvin Clair; godfather, Alfred Clement; goddaughter, Lena Judith Marie Doucette; nieces, Keira and Lena Doucette and Julianne Augustine and Joelle Clair; nephew Julius Augustine.

Predeceased by maternal aunt, Diane Clair, and godmother, Mary Ann Mosey.

Niko Goddfrey Clair
1990 – 2019

Clair, Niko Godffrey, 29, of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, died tragically with his cousin, Ozzy Clair, on April 8, 2019 near Bayfield, Antigonish County. Born in Antigonish on January 2nd, 1990, he was the son of Gertie Savard-Clair and the late Bernard Peters.

He had a loving and caring personality, which shined more when he was with his son, Owen. He loved hunting and fishing with his Bros and He loved to teach anyone who wanted to learn. He was quite the prankster with a contagious laugh and a smile that made everyone smile. He was very daredevilish & outgoing. He volunteered quite often and was there for anyone in time of need, especially when the community needed a fire keeper for ceremonies or funerals.

He loved the water and that made his oyster farmer job that much easier. His oyster crew was his oyster family and they all watched over each other. Niko and Ozzy will always watch over their crew with love and admiration. He died a hero, trying to save his crew.

He is survived by his son, Owen Clair, his birth mom, Gertie, Halifax; brothers, JR Peters, Halifax; Matthew Poulette, Eskasoni; Algoimo Augustine, Elsipogtog, sister Joanne Poulette, Eskasoni; his foster parents, Kimberly Julian and Bobby Peters, Paqtnkek; and former foster dad, Lenny Thomas, Lennox Island; brothers, Sage, Storm, Samuel, and Sunee Peters, Paqtnkek; sisters, Skye and Starr Thomas, Paqtnkek, Molly Peters, Paqtnkek; special brother, Robert Marshall, Paqtnkek; special friends, Angela and Misal; many aunts and uncles; his godmother, Sarah Johnson, and his many “BROS”.

He is predeceased by his father Bernard Peters, foster parents, Ethel “Mama” and Charlie “Dadda” Lewis; godfather, David Francis; foster grandparents, Lewis and Helen Clair; maternal grandparents, Tom Barlow and Kelbie Clair; paternal grandparents, Barney and Martha Peters.