CHIEF MOON, John
Posted: October 29th, 2024
CHIEF MOON
January 14, 1933 – October 26, 2024
It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, John Joseph Chief Moon Sr. (Ninnai’kisomm) at the age of 91. John was the eldest son of the late Dan (Kakato’si) Chief Moon and the late Rosie (Noosi) Sleeping Woman. His paternal grandparents were the late Chief Moon (Ninnai’kisomm) and the late Many Gun Women, (Aakainamaya’kii); his maternal grandfather was White Wolf (Aapistamik) who was his mentor. John was a member of the Fish Eater clan. He embodied knowledge transferred to him from his father and grandfather. The knowledge he acquired from his mentors laid the foundation for his leadership roles. Accolades of John’s Leadership roles and hereditary chief position include; Kainai Minor Chiefs, one of the last remaining minor hereditary chiefs of Kainai Nation. A minor hereditary chief is a lifelong position, recognized as subsequent to the chief position. He served on the Blood Band council from the mid 60’s to late 70’s. John was a Ninnaipo’ka (a chief’s descendant). He carried the principal ancestral lineage of Chief Red Crow, who was his paternal great grandfather. John learned to lead with a humble solid leadership, demonstrating the spirit of one who inherited the leadership lineage of Chief Red Crow (Mi’kai’stoo), he was the eldest great grandson. At one point he was appointed to act as the Chief. He was also instrumental in naming buildings in Calgary, Medicine Hat as well as Lethbridge. John was also a composer of many many songs.
John will be sadly missed by his children Vernon Sr., John Jr. (Monica), Evelyn (LeRoy), Leonard (Ethel), Gloria and Dr. Kathrina. His grandchildren Annie, Vernon Jr., Samara, Patricia, Amanda (Olivier), John Ross, Tiffany, Toni (Chris Sr.), Diamond, Devon (Josie), Randi, Ty, and Leonard Jr. His great grandchildren Tegan, Bailey, Darius, Xavier, Zayden, Chris Jr., Lilli, Sofia, Jovin and Nevaeh. Great great grandchildren Havana and Zeniyah. John will be missed by his dog Maui. His adopted children, Marlene Chief Moon and Dan Fox (Jenn) and their children Asher and Phoenix. John attended St. Paul’s Anglican Residential School. After he left school he started working by utilizing the skills he learned in school and was one of the few farmers that did his own farming. John was also a rancher; he took care of over 400 head of cattle for his father and uncle Victor, as well as his own, then later became a politician. On December 12, 1953 he married the late Mildred (Aanatsinokaomitaakii) Shot Both Sides. Together John and Mildred raised their seven children. He also served as a politician with the Indian Association of Alberta for many years. He worked with the late Harold Cardinal. Harold’s parents Frank and Agnes adopted John. One of his portfolios that resonated with him was his work with justice. John has always been an advocate for justice. He wanted to shed light on the brutal treatment Indigenous people endured from Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
John Sr. was transferred the Big Drum at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump from his father, the late Dan Chief Moon. John then transferred it to his two sons, John Jr. and Leonard. This drum once belonged to Sitting Bull. Dr. Joe and Josephine Crow Shoe initiated John to be a Bracelet Keeper to the Short Thunder Pipe Bundle. John and Mildred took part in the ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and he composed the song that was used for those ceremonies. John was asked to serve as an Elder for many organizations on and off reserve due to his leadership, knowledge of treaties, advocacy, his composition of many songs and his drumming abilities. They include: Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, Kainai Corrections, Bringing the Spirit Home, Kainai Fire Department, Wellness Program, University of Lethbridge Research team that focused on Indigenous Health issues, and recently with the Elder’s Knowledge Circle Society in Calgary. The family would like to thank the Kainai Continuing Care, especially his grandson Tommy Bare Shin Bone, Dr. S. Eagle Bear, Dr. Wong, and the nurses and staff at the Cardston Municipal Hospital for their exceptional care for John as well as the support of uncles, aunts, friends and acquaintances. John will also be missed by his siblings Ed (Elaine), Virginia, Keith (Karen), and Bertha; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, his sisters and brothers-in-law, and all the friends he made during his lifetime. John had many, many relatives too numerous to mention. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Mildred, his son Oral, grandchildren Noel and Cassidy, great granddaughter Mikayla; his parents Rosie Sleeping Woman, Dan and Philomena Chief Moon; his brothers, Guston, Wilfred Sr., Daniel, Jordan, Horace and Burton. Daughter-in-law Brenda Mistaken Chief and son-in-law Robert Tailfeathers. A Wake Service celebrating John’s life will be held on Sunday, November 3 at the Senator Gladstone Hall from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will follow on Monday, November 4, at the Gladstone Hall at 11:00 a.m. Interment at the Chief Moon cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
My sincerest condolences to Monica, John, and the entire family. John Sr was a walking library and a kind soul. He will be missed.
Elder John will always have a very special place in my heart. His teachings about the deep, important connections between animals and humans will stay with me forever. I thought it was very fitting that his dog, along with his family, were with him when he passed. I am sending condolences and prayers to all his relations.
Aahsaopi/Issoitapi Elementry school staff and students- we are going to miss you a lot. You shared many gifts such as, prayer, song, stories, our history and values, but most of all your love, caring and support for us. You are a beautiful spirit, a great loss to our people. Rest well grampa, we love so much.
Sikaaki Big Swallow – IES Principal