Ernest Waterchief

Ernest (Sabisco) William Waterchief, Natoys’hkomapii of Siksika Nation passed away suddenly on June 17, 2023 at the age of 68 years old. Ernest is survived by his loving friend Verna, his children Taggert, Presley and Landon (Kiya); his Grandson Trew; his siblings Raymonda, Lorelee, Carla, Gina, Wesley, Leandra (Alvin), Beryl, Shane (Melanie), Tracy (Bradford), Ira (Lydia), Bertina (Tom), Avery, Gina (Lance), Marcel (Delores), Randy (Lorraine), Yvonne, Rosa, Lyle (Diane), Tammy, Bea, Molly, Bobby, Joseph, Baxter, Jesse, Jennifer (Warren), Elizabeth; his Uncles Rev. Larry Waterchief, Mario (Karen) Waterchief, Horace (Celeste) Bull Bear, his Aunt Jacqueline Big Bull. His Godchildren; Keyvin Waterchief, Carlin Waterchief, Razor Waterchief and Preston Waterchief, numerous nieces and nephews whom he cherished dearly and his traditional Weaselchild family.

He was predeceased by his Father Raymond Waterchief , his Mother Rev. Margaret Watechief, his Sister Shannon Healy, his Son Chad Poor Eagle; his nephews Trevor Joseph Waterchief (Godson), Jim Black and niece Shawna Bull Bear.

Ernest attended Carseland Elementary School and then moved on to Crescent Heights and William Aberhart in Calgary. He then went on to Old Sun Community College. He made his Cursillo in 1989 in Entheos, his theme was “Here I am Lord”. He has had many different careers during his life, starting as a bus driver then as a youth worker for Siksika Crisis centre, then a cab driver in Fort McMurray. He then returned to Siksika and continued as a bus driver, then worked for Siksika Agriculture, Siksika Child Welfare, Siksika Recreation as well as Security at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. He served on numerous boards in Siksika. He was then hired as a Community Liaison at Siksika Land Claims where he remained for 27 years until his retirement. He played an important role in the settlement of five major land claims, was an original member of the Na’Soowa Society and made many contributions towards the betterment of Siksika Nation and its future generations. Ernest was also a member of the Kiitokiiks Society. He was also and avid sportsman, excelling in football, hockey, basketball especially in the game of pool where he won many championship titles. He will always be remembered as Siksika’s most reliable taxi and would drop everything for his valuable customers.

Ernest was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and always mentioned how Blessed he was to have visited Graceland with his family which was a conversation he had with many of his family and friends. Throughout Ernest’s life he never failed to show his love and concern for his family and close friends, he also had a humour like no other that brought many people much happiness and laughter. He helped so many people and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it; his generosity and humbleness will be remembered and missed by many.

He leaves to mourn his extended families; Big Bull, McMaster, Ayoungman, Brass, Three Sun, Eagle Speaker, Blackhorse, Winnipeg, Old Woman, Mayfield, Right Hands, Axe, Peace Maker, Turning Robe, Blackface, Maguire, Studhorse and his Siksika Land Claims family. We apologize if we have forgotten anyone as Ernest came from one of the largest families in Siksika.

The family would like to thank Siksika EMS, Siksika Crisis and Gleichen RCMP.

Services will be celebrated at St. John the Devine Anglican Church on Thursday June 22nd, 2023. Beginning with a viewing at 9:00am and the funeral to follow at 11:00am. Farewell Procession to follow at Rev. Margaret Waterchief Cemetery.

Officiant – Rev. Larry Waterchief.

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