Obituary of Rok Paul

Forever Loved, Never Forgotten...

James "Rok" Paul 

1955 - 2025 

It with great sadness that we announce  the passing of James Russell Paul aka Rok, aka Uncle Rok, aka Rocky aka James Wisemen. He crossed over to the spirit world  Sunday night December 7, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at the DECH.  Born Oct 14, 1955 in Fredericton NB, Rok was a  strong 2spirted Wolastoqyik citizen of Sitanksis  (St. Mary”s First Nation)

Uncle Rok was the son of Late Elizabeth (Wisemen)(Paul) Brewer and Eugene Paul.  He was predeceased by his grandmother Louise (Solomon) Paul (MEME); his sister, Beverly Polchies (Allan); his brothers, Tim Paul (Sherri), Eric Paul (Irene Maybe), Phillip Paul & his sister Eunice Paul.

Rok is survived by his sister Victoria Day (John) of Arizona, Janice Rouse (Bill) of Fredericton, William Paul (Melissa) Fredericton & the only woman he ever married Alexandra Paul, Winnipeg and by his  godchild Shayla Pictou, Special Nephew Sakom (Chief) Allan (Chicky) Polchies, several nieces and nephew. 

Rok studied law at UNB, and native studies at STU.  He travelled and worked around the world; California, Peru, Alaska, Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Mexico, Yukon, New York and Toronto. He made many contributions to the growth of Indigenous arts with the Canada Arts Council, National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, Native Arts Foundation and he personally added to that body of knowledge. He spent hours at the National Archives in Ottawa listening to scratchy wax cylinders of the old ones singing and he memorized their songs.   

Rok was a PROUD Maliseet man, grassroots, language carrier, knowledge keeper, Wolastoq historian, story teller.  Rok enjoyed almost anything related to nature, picking fiddleheads, and blueberries and potatoes in Maine.  Along with traditional dancing, ceremony and hosting the late Chief Dan George. His place was on Turtle Island, and his consuming passion was the exploration of the ancient beliefs of his nation and the importance of carrying them forward.

He had a lifelong love of animals, treating them as cherished members of his family: the late Wuby & Benny will be buried with him. He believed crows carried wisdom & intelligence; just like Uncle Rok.

Rok was a member of the Sitanksis Elders Group, Atlantic Healing our Nation, Alumni of Arts Canada and a loyal customer of Kanna Queens & Wolastoq Casino.

His gift of storytelling took his earth walk to many beautiful destinations, making him a true world traveler, he loved Coronation Street, and consumed documentaries.

Barb Lovean & Dustin Paul, Harold Gabriel were cherished caregivers along with support from his sister Jan and St. Mary’s Health Center.

Rok’s celebration of life will take place at Maqiyahtimok Community Center on Thursday December 11, 2025.  Visitation from 11 am to 2pm followed by a traditional ceremony and feast.  Rok was known to always give special nicknames to the people he loved.

Donations can be made to SPCA Fredericton & he loved Flowers. 

Woliwon to the staff of DECH, Community, Friends and Family.