Annie Bare Shin Bone (nee Blood)
Ksikawo’tan (White Shield)
Annie Bare Shin Bone (nee Blood), Ksikawo’tan (White Shield) passed away peacefully at the Cardston hospital at the age of 90, on Saturday, June 20th, 2009. Annie was born on the Blood Reserve on August 11, 1918 to Paula Rider and Charlie Merchant-Blood of the Nitaitskyiiks (Lone Fighters Clan) through marriage a member of the Mamiooyiiks (Fish Eaters Clan).
Annie’s paternal grandmother was Natohkiaakii (Holy Bear Woman) a survivor of the January 23rd, 1870 Baker Massacre in the U.S. Natohkiaakii’s children/descendents include the families of: Bloods, Paces, Many Fingers, Eagle Childs, Bruised Heads, Good Strikers, Fox’s and many more throughout Blackfoot country into the U.S.
Annie was raised by her maternal grandparents Miikskimipitakii (Iron Old Woman) and Kihtsi’ponistai in the Standoff area of the Blood Reserve. Her grandmother did not want her to go to school but the old man insisted so she can interpret for them, she never saw him again; Kihtsi’ponistai was one of the last powerful traditional medicine man on the reserve passing away in 1925 during an eclipse of the sun. Annie was well know by her childhood Indian name Immi’tsimaaki. Annie handed her name Immi’tsimaaki to her oldest great granddaughter Elana Many Fingers in 2004 in order for her name to live on with us!
She spent much of her childhood with her aunts (Paula’s sister) Matsisaipi (Mary Black Water) and her family and Po’kaki (Fanny Eagle Child) and her family. This connection lasted for many generations until their passing. She was especially close to her cousin Myrtle Scout that she took as her sister and missed her dearly when she passed away.
At a very young age, Annie was sent to the old Standoff residential school, and at the age of six, they all moved to the new St. Mary’s Indian Residential school opened in 1924. She looked up to her close cousin, Genevieve Bruised Head (Otska’pinaki) that looked after her in residential school. With the exception of coming home periodically Annie was completely cut off from her family and Kainai community. Initially, Annie was raised in a strong traditional family, however the years spent at the residential school succeeded in disconnecting her with her traditional background. Annie was practically raised by the nuns and she was their pet, but she gained many life-long friends in residential school especially Jane Davis.
Her union with Innoota (John Bare Shin Bone) reconnected Imitsimaakii with her traditional Blackfoot culture. Annie and John raised their family a few miles from "Little Chicago" on the Blood Reserve; extremely hardworking and self-sufficient. Annie supported Innoota, who was a very traditional man and a spiritual leader for the Motokiiks (Buffalo Women’s Society) and the Iitskinaiyiiks (the Sacred Horn Society). Annie soon joined the Motokiiks (Buffalo Women’s Society) herself. Many of their children and grandchildren are now members of sacred societies, including the Iitskinaiyiiks (the Sacred Horn Society), Kanatsoomitaiks (Crazy Dogs) and Awahkanitaiksi (Piercing Sundancers).
However, Annie always remained a faithful member of the Catholic Church due to her upbringing. She was a Rectora in 1988 with the Cursillo movement; her theme song was "Colors of Day". She made numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Medjegore, Fatima, Lourdes to name a few. Annie volunteered endlessly with the church; she was taught by the nuns on how to play the organ, and she became a talented organist. She worked for many years with the Parish priest and nuns at all church service or function.
In the early 1950’s Annie went back to work at the Residential school as both a cook and a supervisor for the Jr. Girls. Upon her retirement, Annie became even busier working in many capacities. For over three decades, she was a cultural advisor to many organizations and departments both in Calgary and on the Blood Reserve. As a result of her involvement in many of these organizations, she received many honors and awards including one from the Mayor of Calgary having her name inscribed on gold plating at Calgary City Hall. List of some of the organizations and awards that Annie was a part of:
Recipient of the David Crow Child Memorial Award
Alberta Hospital Representative: Peter Lougheed Centre
Calgary Aboriginal Headstart Cultural teacher; Calgary Native Friendship Centre
Four Directions Foster Parents Association of Calgary
Native Women’s Shelter Society: Awo-taan; Plains Indian Survival School
Nekinan Group Home; Wood’s Home; Calgary Young Offenders Centre
Kainaysinni: Declaration of Elders; Blood Tribe Chief & Council Advisor
Kainai Children’s Services Advisory Council
Lifetime Cultural Achievement Award – Esquao Awards May 2005
Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women – Elder’s Council
Annie will be missed by all those whose lives she’s touched and she has truly left a legacy for her children to follow. Annie goes to the spirit world with her cousin Chester Bruised Head (they were bingo buddies).
Annie is survived by her children: Sylvia (Dale) Low Horn, Roy (Christine) Bare Shin Bone, Linda (Jim) Shot Both Sides, Lucille Bare Shin Bone, Jordon (Susan) Bare Shin Bone, Johnny Bare Shin Bone, Randy Bare Shin Bone, Gail (Randy) Many Bears and adopted grandson Kirby (Brenda) Many Fingers. She has a total of 49 grandchildren, 125 great-grandchildren and 59 great-great grandchildren for a total of 233 direct descendents. She is also survived by two sisters Mattie and Amy Plaited Hair.
Annie was pre-deceased by her husband John Bare Shin Bone (1988), her sons Peter Big Head (2002), Vernon Bare Shin Bone (1973) and Francis Bare Shin Bone; her daughters Mary White Quills, Ruby Eagle Plume (2008), Yvonne Big Head and Malina Bare Shin Bone; also by some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her parents: Paula Rider and Charlie Merchant-Blood; paternal grand-parents: Natohkiaakii (Holy Bear Woman) and Merchant; maternal grand-parents: Miikskimipitakii (Iron Old Woman) and Ihkitopi (Rider). Siblings: Charlie "Chucky" Blood, Agnes Blood, Sydney Plaited Hair, Dora Plaited Hair and George Plaited Hair.
A Family Service will be held at Eden’s Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, on Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 P.M. The Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve, beginning at 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM and continuing at Annie’s residence. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 26, 2009. Interment will be at The Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve, Alberta.


BENNETT
DOROTHY MARIE BENNETT, beloved wife of the late Kay Bennett, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the age of 86 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Southern Alberta Generations Funeral Home
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sign guest book:  www.generationsfh.ca <http://www.generationsfh.ca/>


BRUISED HEAD – NIISOITAPII
Chester Peter Bruised Head – Niisoitapii - of the Blood Reserve passed away surrounded by his family at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on June 20, 2009. He was born on January 7, 1930 at the Blood Indian Hospital to Pete Sr. and Genevieve (Blood) Bruised Head. Chester was raised by his maternal grandparents Mike Merchant (Blood) and Louise Spotted Eagle (Blood). His paternal grandparents were Yellow Squirrel Woman and Takes the Gun Strong. Chester belonged to the Fish Eater Clan and the Many White Horse Clan.
Chester was placed at the St. Mary’s Residential School in 1937 at the age of seven. In 1946, at the age of 16 he left school. In 1949 Chester first entered the Calgary Stampede and for 18 years was a contestant there. In 1950 and 1961 he received buckles for high point winner. In 1951 Chester met Lynda Chief Moon. In September 1952 they were married in the Catholic Church. Together they had 11 children: Jordan (Susan), Chester Jr., Theresa, Mike (Barb), Baby Boy, Bill, Clark (Annette), Jenny (Watson Kaquitts), Benita (Andy) Creighton, Byron, and Dexter (Tricia). Chester was proud to see his children’s accomplishments in their pursuit of higher education. Most recently he was proud of him and Lynda’s youngest son, Dexter, who was sworn in to the Blood Tribe Chief and Council in 2008. He was also proud of his children and grand-children carrying on the tradition of rodeo, especially when his son Bill T. Head and grandson Hank Bruised Head brought home Indian World Championship Titles and All-Around Champion, Byron Bruised Head.
In 1959 he worked at the San Fernando Ranch in California and also worked in North Hollywood at the race horse stables. During his time in Hollywood Chester was a stuntman/actor. Chester was known on the rodeo circuit throughout North America winning numerous titles. He was a bullfighter with Rufus Good Striker Sr., learning his skill from the Spanish bullfighter, Sanchez. He was a member of the Canadian Protective Association Rodeo (CPAR) in 1955 and the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) in 1957. He was an all around cowboy, outrider and chuck wagon driver.
Chester’s jobs were varied and included: Nor Fab Homes in Fort Macleod, Fencing/Contractor on the Blood reserve, Bar U Ranch, J.C. Bar Ranch in the United States, and Blood Band Ranch. Besides Rodeo he liked hunt and cook up a "mean son of a gun" stew. Later in life when Chester became a bachelor he spent a lot of time with the late Ed and Ruth Little Bear, sister Clara and her husband Art Healy, and friend the late Alphonse (Nora) Eagle Bear.
Chester is survived by his sisters: Isabelle Langford and Clara (Art) Healy; his brothers: Pete (Margaret); Joe (Lorraine); Norbert (Vera); and Regis (Carolla). His Children Jordan (Susan), Mike (Barb), Bill, Clark (Annette), Jenny (Watson Kaquitts), Benita (Andy) Creighton, Byron, and Dexter (Tricia), Lenora (Scotty) Many Fingers, Lester (Bev) Twigg, Marcel Twigg, Anita Twigg, Lisa Twigg, Chester Twigg, Tracy (Joe) Laplante, Cynthia and Stephanie Provost, his long time friend Mary Twigg, 56 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.
Chester was predeceased by his brother, Everette Bruised Head, his children Chester Bruised Head Jr., Theresa Bruised Head, and Baby Boy Bruised Head, and his great-grandchild Michael Bruised Head, and friend Jim Twigg.
Chester had numerous friends and relatives from the Treaty 7 reserves, the Blackfeet Reservation, and throughout the rodeo circuit. The family apologizes if they have missed any names.
A Family Service will be held at Eden’s Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, on Friday, June 26 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. The Wake Service will be held at the Kainai Sports Centre, Standoff, beginning at 7:00 PM and continuing all night. The Funeral Service will be held at the Kainai Sports Centre, Standoff, at 1:00 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2009. Interment will be at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Standoff, Alberta.


EWING
MR. THOMAS ANDREW EWING of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Dorothy Ewing, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the age of 94 years, surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was born in Lethbridge on October 18, 1914, and in his early years in Southern Alberta, he helped on the farm haying, threshing, breaking horses, and driving the school van. On April 12, 1937 he married Dorothy Sheran in Lethbridge. Tom farmed the Sheran Ranch in West Lethbridge until 1951, he then moved west of Fort Macleod, where he continued ranching. In 1953 he moved back to Lethbridge and purchased the Foremost Transport, which he carried on as Ewing Transport, eventually hauling grain for Southern Alberta farmers. Due to ill health, he retired in 1969. Tom never lost his interest in farming and drove each year to check the progress of the area crops. He lived in his own home until 2004, and his beloved vegetable garden was the pride of the neighborhood. In 2004 he moved to Garden View Lodge, and at the time of his passing resided at Columbia Assisted Living.
Tom had a reputation for, and always enjoyed helping friends and relatives in times of need. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a dedicated caregiver to Dorothy from the time of her stroke in 1995 until she passed away in 2005.
Besides his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy, Tom was predeceased by 2 infant daughters; his mother Monica; step-mother Elizabeth; father Frederick; brother William; sisters May Sprinkle and Evelyn Kenney; son-in-law Darryl Stuckey; and grand son-in-law Lorry Simms.
Tom is survived by his daughters Sheran (Fred) Leverick, Linda (Doug) Aspeslet; sons Jim (Melody) Ewing and Barry Ewing; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; special cousin and friends Dr. Alvin (Phyl) McKenzie.
Family and friends may pay their respects between 7:00pm and 9:00pm, on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St., S., Lethbridge, AB.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Friday, June 26, 2009, at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St., S., Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend Larry D. Hankinson, officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Stars Foundation Lethbridge Office, 416 – 10 Street, North, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 2C7, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P6
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901

JOHNSON
Mr. Andy Howard Johnson, beloved husband of Rachel Johnson of Blairmore, AB and proud father of son Jason (Teresa) and grandson Donovan Johnson, peacefully passed away on June 21, 2009 at his residence at the age of 61 years.
A Memorial Coffee & Luncheon will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elk’s Hall (2025-129 Street) in Blairmore.
Donations in memory of the late Andy Johnson will be gratefully accepted towards S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7.
Condolences may be registered at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it


KOVACH
FRANK THOMAS KOVACH passed away June 12th, 2009 at the age of 67 years.
Frank was born and raised in Turin, Alberta. He farmed for a number of years by Travers, and has since resided in Carmangay.
Frank is survived by five children; Carolyn (John) Hofstra of Rimbey, Teresa (Scott) Johnson of Rocky Mountain House, John (Sue) Kovach of Lethbridge, Linda (Murray) Simpson of Brooks, and Jim (Laureen) Kovach of Lethbridge, as well as his brother Joe Kovach Jr. of Turin, and several grandchildren.
Frank was predeceased by his wife Mary, his parents Joseph and Mary, and his brother Paul.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Service which will be held in Frank’s honor at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 318 – 10th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.



PEARD: Katherine “Kay”
April 10, 1911 - June 22, 2009
Peard, Katherine, “Kay”, beloved wife of Harry Peard of Calgary, passed away peacefully at the Cedars Villa, Nursing Home, in Calgary, on Monday, June 22, 2009, at the age of 98 years. Katherine lived and died an ever-faithful servant of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was born in April of 1911, the third child of four children born to Stephen and Xenia (Jean) Kolenich, Ukrainian immigrants, on the family homestead near Dysart, Saskatchewan. She was educated at Canterbury country school near her home and attended Normal School in Regina. Her teaching career, which began in a one-room school house, spanned nearly forty years. She taught at rural schools in Southern Saskatchewan and at Taber Central School prior to her marriage on July 5, 1948. She then taught at the Red Cross school north of Vulcan, Alberta and later at Vulcan High School, as well as St Patrick’s and St Mary’s separate schools in Taber, Alberta, where the family moved in 1961. While living in Vulcan, she served as President of the Catholic Women’s League of St. Anthony’s parish. During her retirement, she spent a number of pleasurable winters in Mesa, Arizona. Kay was an active person all the days of her life, enjoying curling, golfing, swimming and walking. Despite having lived in Alberta for over sixty years, she remained an unwavering supporter of all curling teams from Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Roughriders football teams and all things Saskatchewan. During World War II, Katherine joined the “WRENS” and was stationed at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Besides her loving husband of almost sixty-one years, Katherine is survived by her son Phil Peard (Cathy) of Spokane, Washington, her daughter Lois Peard (Graham) of Calgary, and her beloved grandchildren, Sarah Peard, and Heather and Geoffrey Barnes. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Thurza and Jack Peard of Taber, as well as many nieces and nephews, who were all very special to her. In addition to her parents, Katherine was predeceased by an infant son (1952), her grandson James Peard (2004), and by her siblings and their spouses, Mike and Una Kolenich, Mary and Archie Gibson, and Peter and Esther Kolenick. The family of Katherine Peard wishes to thank Bev, Rob, Joanne and the caregivers at Cedars Villa for the care and compassion shown to our beloved wife, mother and grandmother over the past four months. We also wish to thank Dr. Charles Yam and his staff for their care over many years. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive. NW Calgary, Alberta), on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. with the Very Rev. Michael Storey, VF, Presider. A private family graveside service will follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.commemorativeservices.ca
Arrangements are in the care of COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES FUNERAL DIRECTORS 403-265-1199. Calgary family owned www.commemorativeservices.ca