Charles was a carpenter by trade, a respected elder, medicine man, teacher who played a very vital role in carrying and passing on traditional teachings that will be upheld forever. He was extremely proud of being a Veteran of WWII and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion no 4. He attended church faithfully, and made yearly pilgrimages to Sainte Anne de Beaupre, and to Skiff Lake. Throughout the years he spent a great deal of time visiting various youth groups to tell his stories and to teach about his people's heritage, history and culture. He was very well known for his singing, chanting and story telling in Canada and the USA. He also receive his Honorary Doctorate from UNB for his amazing work.
Michael hired Charlie to model for his watercolor figure class in full regalia back in the 80"s. Michael took photos of Charlie who sang and told stories to the students in the adult education class at the University of Maine at Orono. Later Michael used these photos to place Charlie on the mountain singing one of his moving songs. Michael says," Charlie was no typical model. He sang and told us stories of his culture while we painted him. We felt so honored to be in this man's presence. That is why it felt even more appropriate to place Charlie on the edge of the Tableland of Katahdin. Down below, with a view of the steep rocky trails desending upon Chimney Pond one can easily see why it is often referred to as the heart of Katahdin. Simularly, If you are standing right next to Charlie while he is drumming, the beat sounds as if it is coming from the other side of the mountain. He was a skilled drummer who could play in such a way that you could truly feel the loving Heart Beat of Mother Earth and the Creator."
It was with saddened hearts that the family of Charles W. Solomon of Kingsclear First Nation announce his passing on March 25, 2011 at his residence. He was 91. Born in Fredericton, he was a son of the late Abel Gabriel and Sarah (Polchies) Solomon and husband of the late Geraldine (Tomer) Solomon and he was a very close friend of the artist.
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