Chief Roy Nicholas Little Chief

Itomohkitopi (First Rider) Chief Roy Nicholas Little Chief

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Itomohkitopi, grandson of Eagle Rib – signatory to the Blackfoot Treaty #7 of 1877.  Itomohkitopi, Roy Nicholas Little Chief of Siksika Nation passed away peacefully at the Peter Lougheed Hospital on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the age of 81 years old. Itomohkitopi was born at the Blackfoot Hospital on Friday, August 26, 1938, to the parents of Joe and Jane (Eagle Rib) Little Chief.  Itomohkitopi leaves behind his wife of forty-six years, Linda and six children: Melanie (Conrad), Linnie (Kent), Redmond (Stacey), Eagle (Elissa), Tommy and Derrick. Survived by his sister: Christine Little Chief and in-laws: Jean Eagle Child, Roseanne, Barbara (Logan), Marlene (Faron), Thelma (Les), Vern Cheechoo.  Grandchildren: Nicholas, Maria (Carlin), Carrie, Noah, Charlize, Harrison, Brayson, Levitt, Israel, Ariel, Samuel, Kayleigh, Devon, Dylan, Brianne, Nevaeh, Santaya, Larissa, Bonnie, Castiel and one great-grandchild: Juno Rose. Step brothers: Leonard Solway and Wayne Stud Horse.

Itomohkitopi is predeceased by his parents, Jane and Joe Little Chief. Siblings: Noella Low Horn, Eunice Yellow Horse, Mary Margaret Wolfleg, Clarissa Little Chief, Mary Florence Bull Bear, Elizabeth Spring Chief, Philip Little Chief, Annie Stabbed Last, Thomas Little Chief, Edna Good Eagle, George Cardinal and Donna Stud Horse. In-Laws: Sinclair & Jane, Archie, Arnold, Russell and Karen Cheechoo.  Step-Mother: Margaret Stud Horse. Extended Families include: Low Horn, Wolfleg, Spring Chief, Yellow Horse, Bull Bear, Eagle Rib, Sleigh, Weasel Head (Siksika), Yellow Sun, Many Shots, Scalplock, Dyler, Black Kettle, Bear Chief, Bear Hat, Winnipeg, Crow Chief, White Eagle, Maguire, Yellow Fly, Bird, Chief Moon, Weasel Fat, Good Striker, Creighton, Letourneau, Dumont.  The family wishes to apologize for anyone that they may have missed.

Itomohkitopi was born at the Blackfoot Hospital on Siksika Nation near Cluny, Alberta.  Roy attended the St. Joseph Residential School, Siksika Nation, AB, Erminskin Residential School, St. Thomas College in North Battleford, SK.  Post-Secondary education at Alberta Bible College as well various training through NAIT, SAIT, University of Lethbridge and Banff School of Fine Arts. Itomohkitopi had two great passions, politics and his strong faith in God. Roy was a prominent Indigenous leader in Alberta and across Canada, he was a staunch advocate for Treaty Rights. Itomohkitopi was an AIM (American Indian Movement) Director for the Southern Alberta Chapter in the early 1970’s. Roy was very influential in speaking out against broken treaties, residential school survivors, MMIW, racial and social injustice against First Nations. Itomohkitopi was a founding member of the Blackfoot A-1 Club, where they traveled extensively throughout North America. Itomohkiopi was first elected to the Siksika Nation Council in a by-election that led to his election as Chief for the nation from 1981-1983.  During his Chieftainship his main goal was to bring awareness and justice for the grassroots people.  He was a central figure in the awakening of First Nations political activity, spirituality and cultural expression. Itomohkiopi was instrumental in ensuring that Siksika was represented at the National level of the 1982 Constitutional Conference, in Ottawa, ON.

Itomohkiopi was first and foremost a family man, steadfast in his faith and always held his children, grandchildren, extended family, relatives and the larger community in prayer. He was often seen traveling with his children, nieces, nephews and as he got older, his grandchildren.  He always checked on his siblings to make sure everyone was OK. Itomohkiopi was a very humble man, who was generous with his wisdom and knowledge and offered encouragement to those who needed it. And he was also known, amongst the family, for his teasing.  Roy carried enormous knowledge and had integrity in all aspects of his life.

Special acknowledgement to his youngest son, Derrick, decided early on that he would dedicate his time to ensuring our dad’s health and well-being were taken care of. Roy beat all odds and continued his dialysis for over 11 years of which spoke to his will to live.  The family wishes to acknowledge the care that was provided to Itomohkiopi at Dr. Vernon Fanning Care Center, Foothills Hospital Unit 37, South Health Dialysis Unit.

Wake services will be held on Wednesday June 17, 2020 @ the Piiksapi Memorial Arbour, Siksika Nation, at 6:00pm.  Funeral Service will be on Thursday June 18, 2020 @ 12:00pm.  Interment to follow at Little Washington Cemetery.

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