Irvine Joseph Scalplock

Irvine Joseph Scalplock - Iitsoih Ksina MaihKa (Takes Guns)
Irvine was born and raised on Siksika Nation. He grew up in the Washington Community and had fond memories of his childhood, especially with his friend, Vern. He would venture off to Chicago and visit his Grandma Mary. His grandma had a special bond with Irvine.
Irvine attended Crowfoot Residential School and then later Crowfoot Indian Day School. He did not like to speak about his school years.
Irvine had an adventurous spirit in him and would venture into Calgary to stay with relatives.
Irvine began to dance in Pow-Wows in Men’s Traditional. He beaded his beautiful outfits winning Championships and Specials in every Pow-Wow he attended throughout the 50 years he competed in. His friends referred to him as “The Legend” as he was an awesome competitor.
In later years, Irvine attended the Canadian Museum of Civilization and received his certificate in the Aboriginal Training Program in Museum Practices that took place at the Canadian Museum of Civilization from January – June, 1994 in Quebec. He continued to educate himself and attained a Supervisory Development Certificate, a course from the University of Calgary. Irvine took the skills he learned at the museum training and developed the Siksika Museum. It was a successful project and received many awards. Irvine became the Siksika Museum Director.
Irvine retired at 55 years old. He wanted to follow his passion for creating and beading. There are literally hundreds of items Irvine created. Every item and object created is carefully researched for authenticity. Some items researched for construction require traditional rights for example the headdresses and parfleche containers. As Irvine was a member of The Sacred Horn Society, Irvine possesses Traditional Right to create certain items and the liberal use of earth paints. Irvine was very successful and published in many articles and highlighted for his Beadwork and Artwork.
While learning of the Sacred Objects, he was instrumental in the return of 25 Sacred Bundles. Irvine, along with Herman Yellow Old Woman and Siksika Elders, began to work on the return of these items. In 1999, the Siksika Sundance returned. Irvine was later referred to as Grandfather to Ceremonial Transfers. He was also a very important consultant in the development of First Nations Sacred Ceremonial Object Repatriation Act in the province of Alberta.
Irvine and Sandra married in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 13, 2008. They had their sons, Dallon Scalplock, Brennan Breaker, and Brent Breaker, witness the nuptials.
Irvine loved and cherished his wife, Sandra, and would say to her “you are my rock”. They had a very loving supportive relationship and did everything together.
Irvine is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Dallon; and 2 stepsons, Brennan and Brent Breaker. He had a special fondness for grandson, Kayleb (Star Boy). He also loved his special grandsons, Keslin Breaker and Bryan Breaker, and Diamond Scalplock; his 16 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He continued to have a healthy relationship with the mother of his children, Esther Healy. He is also survived by his siblings; sisters, Maureena Pretty Young Man (Leo Jr.), Angelina Holloway (Delmar), and Cindy Scalplock; his brothers, Larry Scalplock and Anthony Jr. (Dino) Scalplock. He was predeceased by his daughters, Melanie Turning Robe, Tanya Turning Robe, Charmayne Scalplock, and Chalise Scalplock; his brothers, Alex, Arthur, and Wilton Scalplock; his sister, Colleen Scalplock; his parents, Anthony and Theresa Scalplock.
His extended families are the Many Guns, Red Guns, Big Tobaccos, Fox, Duckchief, McMaster, Bear Chief, Melting Tallow, Crane Bear, Smith, Little Mustache, Strikes With A Gun, Rabbit Carriers, Running Rabbit, Bull Bear.
We are sorry if we have missed anyone.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irvine Joseph Scalplock, please visit our floral store.