Barkman was serving as an Elder member of the Wawatay Board of Directors as well as a member of the Elders Council for the Sioux Lookout Health Centre at the time of his passing.

Throughout his life Barkman provided guidance, direction, support and advocacy to various First Nations organizations in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.

He acted in the role of councilor in Sachigo Lake First Nation before the chief and band council system was enacted, and then served many terms as band council in Sachigo until his retirement in 2005.

Read more: http://www.wawataynews.ca/archive/all/2013/1/31/elder-peter-barkman-passes_24053