Tyrone Tootoosis

Tyrone Tootoosis (May 9, 1958 – February 12, 2017) was a Plains Cree storyteller, activist, culture keeper and dancer. He was born on May 9, 1958 on the Samson Reserve in Alberta, Canada and raised on the Poundmaker Cree Nation Reserve in Saskatchewan.[1] He was a member of the Tootoosis family and was a descendant of Yellow Mud Blanket, a brother of Pîhtokahanapiwiyin, also known as Chief Poundmaker. His grandfather was John Tootoosis, was an activist for First Nations rights and founder of the Saskatchewan Indian Federation and he was the first born son of Wilfred Tootoosis,[2] a historian and storyteller and Irene B. Tootoosis. He was married to Winona Wheeler, a professor of Indigenous studies at the University of Saskatchewan.[2] Actor Gordon Tootoosis was his uncle.

Tyrone Tootoosis
BornMay 9, 1958 
DiedFebruary 12, 2017  (aged 58)
Duck Lake 
Occupation

Tootoosis dedicated his life to revitalizing Cree culture and had a close relationship with his grandfather John Tootoosis, learning the culture and traditions of his people.[3][2] He recorded the stories and voices of Elders. Following the tradition of his family, he became a culture keeper for his community[2] and was a storyteller, historian, pow wow dancer and social activist.[3] He worked to develop the Wanuskewin Heritage Park and the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company, now named the Gordon Tootoosis Theatre Company.[4]

Following in the traditions of his uncle Gordon Tootoosis, Tootoosis appeared in several films, including  DreamKeeper (2003), Wapos Bay: Long Goodbyes (2011) and Christmas at Wapos Bay (2002). Tootoosis played Poundmaker, his great-great-granduncle, in the TV mini-series, Big Bear (1998).

Tootoosis' storytelling had significant impact. His story on the Saskatchewan River and the importance of water was recounted in Roy MacGregor in his book on Canadian Rivers.[5]

The recipient of numerous awards,[2] Tootoosis was awarded the Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor's Arts Award for Arts and Learning in 2008 for his cultural and artistic work, advocacy and role as an educator.[6]

Tootoosis died on February 12, 2017 near Duck Lake, Saskatchewan of colon cancer.[7]

References
  1. Saskatchewan First Nations : lives past and present. Thompson, Christian, 1954–, University of Regina. Canadian Plains Research Center. Regina: Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina. 2004. ISBN 0889771618. OCLC 62134610.CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. "Tyrone Tootoosis was 'a walking library' and a keeper of Cree culture". Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  3. "'He did so much for all First Nations': Hundreds honour Tyrone Tootoosis". CBC News. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  4. "Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre | Transformation through Indigenous performances". www.gtnt.ca. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  5. 1948–, MacGregor, Roy (May 8, 2018). Original highways : travelling the great rivers of Canada (Vintage Canada trade paperback ed.). Toronto. ISBN 9780307361394. OCLC 983482115.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. User, Super. "2008 Lieutenant Governor's Arts Awards". www.saskartsboard.ca. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  7. "Cree cultural icon dies at his home near Duck Lake, Sask". CBC News. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
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