TAILFEATHERS, Frederick “Rick”

TAILFEATHERS Rick Tailfeathers (Suwatsiikinii) passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and his dear friend, brother Sheldon First Rider on December 21, 2023. Rick was a Strong Warrior as he battled cancer for two and a half years. Our most beloved Family patriarch.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, of 46 years. His children Ryan (Carrie), Arnell, Shaun (Wynetta), Deserae (Laine), adopted children Colin Peigan and late Jasmin Peigan. Grandchildren; Liam, Abigail, Madison, Sequoia, Shaun Jr. Seth, late Simone, his siblings Georgette Fox, Margaret Fox, Gerald (Colleen) Tailfeathers and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by Nellie and Harvey Tailfeathers, his siblings Lester, Lyman, Phillip, Gilbert, Lillian , Christine and his granddaughter Simone.
Rick was born in the Blood Indian Hospital on Nov. 6,1950. Rick comes from the All Tall People Clan. He grew up in Bull Horn and he attended St. Paul’s Residential School for 11 years and he graduated from the Cardston High School. He attended Mount Royal College in Calgary. He received a diploma in Social Work. When he moved back to the Reserve, he worked with Blackfoot Radio and as a journalist for Kainai News. In 1991 he launched an exciting business! Working with his own film and video company, Sweet Grass Productions. He created numerous educational, promotional, documentary and feature videos. He focused on the Blackfoot Language, history and culture and current issues impacting the Blood Tribe. Rick worked as a Cultural Consultant for the most well known film, “Where The Spirit Lives.” It was the Inspirational beginning of Reconciliation. He went on to work for the Blood Tribe as the Communications Director. He was the Voice of the Blood Tribe. He represented the Tribe in Public Relations. Rick contributed so much to the positive image and well being of the Blood Tribe people. He was well respected in Kainai and the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Rick also loved the St. Pauls Anglican Anglican Church. He was on the Vestry, serving as the People’s Warden. Rick contributed to the planning of the beautiful basement and kitchen renovation. He was a talented artist, musician, skilled carpenter. He played in a rock band in his younger days. Rick was a dedicated loving family man. Above everything else, he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. They enjoyed his Story telling, Cultural teachings, (Blackfoot language) Napi legends, humor and he loved to entertain with his guitar. Rick always loved to work outdoors, doing lawn work, building a tree house, etc. He was a hard worker! Rick built a huge addition to their house. He was always busy, being productive. He was amazing, inspiring, intelligent, wise, strong, kind, courageous, compassionate, patient with great integrity. He led by his great example, footsteps. Together Rick and Sharon achieved so many of their dreams! They worked as a team, supporting each other. Their beautiful family life was their best achievement. They enjoyed camping and travelling to places like B.C., the U.S.A. and Mexico.
One of the most Precious times is when Rick and Sharon joined the Itskinaiiks (Horn Society). With their leader Wilton Goodstriker and their Society, they were instrumental to Reviving and Preserving our way of life. They cherished their ceremonial experiences and relationships with their holy brothers and sisters. Rick always looked forward to our annual Sundance. Later Rick became an Elder for the following Horn Societies. He was always so happy to be painting faces and praying for so many people. Rick was happy to share his teachings with the younger people. Many people attended the annual ceremony for prayers, protection and healing. Rick was a true grandfather by the way he lived as a kind strong humble man. Rick started his Spirit Journey on the Winter Solstice. Each Sundance Horns pray that they can make it to the Solstice. At the solstice they pray to make it to the next Akokatsin (balance).
The people of the Blood Tribe, the Blackfoot Confederacy, within and beyond our traditional territory will deeply miss a loving friend, a traditional grandfather a loving husband and father. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and numerous relatives. Bullhorn will not be the same without him.
Sharon and Family thanks all the medical staff at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, St. Mikes Hospital and the Foothills Hospital (Tom Bakers Cancer Center) to the Professional Doctors and Nurses who have given their best medical care to Rick. We also appreciate the Blood Tribe Medical Transportation (Robert Wells) and their dedicated drivers.
A Wake Service will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, South Hill Chapel Cardston on Thursday, January 4, 2023 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Friday, January 5 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the St. Paul’s Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca