Clement Bear Chief

Bear Chief, Clement (Sepiap-ikana-sooii) Nov. 19, 1938 – Feb.2, 2022.  Clement passed peacefully at the Siksika Elder’s Lodge at Siksika Nation.  He is survived by his children William, Bernadette, Aaron (Connie), Minnie, Quintina (Robert) Adolpho and Samuel.  He is also survived by brothers Wallace (Theresa), Arthur, Melvin, Roy (Elaine), Robert (Gwen), Stewart (Tanya), Brian (Maureen) sisters Joan, Alvina, Celeste (Horace), Patsy, Arlene (Alvin), Olivia, Tracy and aunt Christine.  Clement is predeceased by his wife Theresa and their son Quinton, brother Francis, sister Donna L’hommecourt, Hector Winnipeg Sr., Darlene DC, Delma TS, and Clement DC.  Extended families include Black Kettle, Duck Chief, Inkster, Letourneau, Little Chief, Low Horn, Smith, Spotted Eagle, Stimson, and Wolf Leg families.  Our sincerest apologies to those not mentioned.

As a young boy, Clement was taken to be raised by his grandparents and taught the ways and stories of the old societies.  The stories he learned would come to serve as a beacon to others in a world otherwise rendered dark and devoid of heritage by the residential school system.  To his last productive days, he remained willing to share those traditions and stories.

He loved sharing stories.

In his younger days, work (with pipeline company Mannix) often took him away for extended periods working as a payroll clerk.  His exact position/role is uncertain, but the work was remote and demanded isolation in the forests of British Columbia sometimes lasting months.  His coworkers, flush with cash they couldn’t spend, and eager for excitement in that isolated atmosphere, would toss entire paychecks into a pot from where someone’s name was drawn would win the entire pot of paycheques.  Clement never admitted to tossing in his own paycheque, but he did end up buying a nice new fridge on one of his trips home.

Notably, when he returned home, before doing anything else, he would sit with his family and share traditional stories he had learned from his grandparents.  Some stories held hidden truths about the world around us and all things pertinent to our being here.  Others were epic tales of the time of Creation and of how certain things in our world came to be.  There was a fair share of stories of Sto-oi or spirits and their interactions with Niitsitapiiks (the People).

As they age, and as time and money permitted, Clement and Theresa would enjoy road trips throughout the western United States.  His camera was always ready with fresh film.  Entire rolls would be used up at the Grand Canyon or at Yellowstone National Park or Going to the Sun road or Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  They had many friends from within the Church scattered throughout the Western United States, so they never wanted a place to stay while on the road.  So many, in fact, that sometimes, with regret, they would decline invitations to come and stay.

Clement spoke warmly of his days as Branch President at the Siksika Branch.  His friendships with the Healy families, the Crowfoots, and others were a source of lasting memories for him.  His work in genealogy was always a priority.  He enjoyed powwows and stampeding until infirmity prevented him.  Still, in his waning days, a drive through the countryside could bring a positive change in his demeanor.

A viewing will be held Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, starting at 9:30 am at the Yellow fly arbor at Siksika.  A funeral program will begin at 11 am with an interment to follow at Canon Stockton cemetery.  Transport and other funerary services are provided by Thom’s Funeral Home in Duchess (www.thomsfuneralhome.com).

Gifts of flowers may be made through Thom’s website or brought directly to the Arbor at the time of viewing or interment.  Please be advised that Covid guidelines remain in place.  Be aware that our Elders will be in attendance and require your cooperation in masking up and being aware of your health.  If you are showing symptoms, please consider our young ones and our Elders and consider attending online.  More information regarding a link to the online portion of the services will follow shortly.

Time: Feb 7, 2022 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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