Tyrone Tootoosis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tyrone Tootoosis
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| Born | May 9, 1958  |
| Died | February 12, 2017 (aged 58) Duck Lake |
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Tyrone Tootoosis (May 9, 1958 – February 12, 2017) was a special person from the Plains Cree Nation. He was known for telling stories, working to protect his culture, and dancing. He was also an activist, meaning he worked hard to make things better for his community.
Tyrone was born in 1958 on the Samson Reserve in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada. He grew up on the Poundmaker Cree Nation Reserve in Saskatchewan. He was part of the important Tootoosis family. His great-great-granduncle was Chief Poundmaker, a famous leader. Tyrone's grandfather, John Tootoosis, was also a strong activist for First Nations rights.
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A Life Dedicated to Culture
Tyrone Tootoosis spent his life helping to keep the Cree culture alive and strong. He learned a lot from his grandfather, John Tootoosis, about his people's traditions and way of life.
Keeping Stories Alive
Tyrone carefully recorded the stories and voices of Elders. Elders are respected older people who hold important knowledge. By doing this, he made sure these valuable stories would not be forgotten.
A Culture Keeper and Historian
Following his family's path, Tyrone became a "culture keeper" for his community. This means he worked to preserve and share the traditions, history, and values of his people. He was a historian, a storyteller, and a pow wow dancer. He also worked as a social activist, helping to bring about positive changes.
Building Important Places
Tyrone helped create important places for Indigenous culture. He worked on the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, which is a special place to learn about the history of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. He also helped develop the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company, which is now called the Gordon Tootoosis Theatre Company.
Acting and Storytelling
Tyrone Tootoosis also followed in the footsteps of his uncle, the actor Gordon Tootoosis. Tyrone appeared in several films and TV shows.
On Screen Roles
He acted in movies like DreamKeeper (2003) and Wapos Bay: Long Goodbyes (2011). He also appeared in Christmas at Wapos Bay (2002). In the TV mini-series Big Bear (1998), Tyrone played the role of Poundmaker, who was his great-great-granduncle.
The Power of His Stories
Tyrone's storytelling was very powerful and had a big impact. For example, he told a story about the Saskatchewan River and why water is so important. This story was even shared in a book about Canadian Rivers by author Roy MacGregor.
Awards and Legacy
Tyrone Tootoosis received many awards for his important work. In 2008, he won the Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor's Arts Award for Arts and Learning. This award recognized his cultural and artistic efforts, his advocacy work, and his role as an educator.
Tyrone Tootoosis passed away on February 12, 2017, near Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, at the age of 58. He left behind a strong legacy of cultural preservation and storytelling.
