Walter and Verna Fontaine

Walter and Verna Fontaine were from the Fort Alexander Reserve also known as Sagkeeng First Nation. They are both residential school survivors. They had one child a daughter Darlene.


The Fontaine’s were founders of the Sagkeeng Oldtimers Hockey Club. They supported each other and worked countless hours fundraising by organizing weekly Bingo in the community of Sagkeeng.


With their fundraising efforts the Sagkeeng Oldtimers were able to travel and compete in tournaments sponsored by the Canadian Oldtimers Hockey Association (COHA). They traveled nationally in Canada and across Europe. They were able to purchase uniforms, pay team registrations and players travel.


The Fontaine’s also helped their community of Sagkeeng. They gave many donations to the local schools, sports groups, senior care home and many bereaved families over the years.


They were proud of who they were and where they came from the Sagkeeng First Nation.


Walter passed away in 2000 and is remembered as the team godfather. He was the founder, coach, manager, a player of defense and forward and goalie at times. He served as a Board of Director from 1984-1989. He received the Sportsmanship Award in 1988 at the national tournament in Montreal.


Verna passed away in 1989. She was posthumously inducted in 1990 into the Canadian Oldtimers Hockey Association Hall of Fame for outstanding contribution to the Sagkeeng Oldtimers Hockey Club and to the COHA.


It is through their efforts in fundraising and club management that the Sagkeeng Oldtimers existed. It is through their efforts that the name “Sagkeeng” became more well known and respected throughout Manitoba, Canada and various parts of the world.