PRAIRIE CHICKEN Allan
Posted: October 28th, 2013
ALLAN PRAIRIE CHICKEN – Aotahkoisaapo’p (Yellow Plume), beloved husband of the late Sylvia Prairie Chicken, companion and best friend to Georgette Fox, passed away in Lethbridge on October 12th, 2013 at the age of 76 years.
He leaves to mourn his children Roger (Charlene), Calvin (Sandy), Allan Jr, Andrew, Karen, Michael (Deanna), Joey Prairie Chicken and Clinton Medicine Crane; 22 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; also Gifford (Kelly), Elliot (Lani), Shawna (Joe), Jason (Deb) – 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; sisters Rosella, Lena (Richard Beudry), Nadine Eagle Child (Delray Wadsworth), Bonita (Kenny) Small Eyes; sister-in-law Raylene Young Pine. Allan was predeceased by his parents, Jim Prairie Chicken & Bessie Wolf Plume; grandson Kevin Prairie Chicken; siblings James, Richard, and Gary Prairie Chicken; aunties and uncles Charlie & Irene Bull Shields, Tom & Catherine Medicine Crane, Joe & Louise Healy; brother Andy Prairie Chicken. Extended families of Bernadette Black Water, Cecile Prairie Chicken, Bull Shields, Medicine Cranes, Yellow Old Womans, Knifes, Delaneys, Chief Calfs, Day Chiefs, Prairie Chickens, Families in Brocket, AB. His favourite past times included playing Bingo, VLT’s and hand games. He was a loving father and grandfather, always fussing over driving around family and making sure they got what they needed and where they needed to be – often taking trips to the States with grandchildren and buying them western wear – a Rancher at heart. His former work included working at the Lumber Mill in Sundry, construction of the Fire Station and Police Station in Stand Off with his brother Richard Prairie Chicken. He was a member of the Elders Advisory Council for 17 years at the Red Crow Community College and also served on the Board of Governors as an Elder Representative for 3 years. He was made an Eminent Scholar and received his Kainai PHD in 2003. He will always be remembered as a strong silent cowboy, always whistling a tune while watching his grandchildren play. A Wake Service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Friday, October 18th, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Saturday, October 19th,2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Michael Tipper Officiating. Interment in the St. Paul’s Cemetery. E-mail condolences to: legacyfh@telus.net Legacy Funeral Homes Ltd. P.O. Box 208 Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0 Phone (403) 653-3222 Fax (403) 653-3677 legacyfh@telus.net
Grieving with your family sending condolences
Óotahkoisaapóp was a great teacher. He taught me a lot. Allen was totally dedicated to teaching me our sacred traditions and encouraging my Comrade Kevin Healy and Lori to be the best we could be.
He took our children as his grandchildren with no regard to them being biologically related or not.
Óotahkoisaapóp was very strict and did not hesitate to discipline us.
His greatest gift was the day he realized we were transferring Aawanaawasi (“The- one- that- has- a- rattle” Horns Society contrary dancer bundle) to our sacred children.
He sat us down one last time and reviewed the sweat procedures and asked that we call him back to help from the spirit world.
He then told us that he had given his life to us…
“ now, I’m done… I will not worry about you… you have learned well… I love you guys…” coming from a person as “crusty” as him meant the world to us… he meant every word of it… he brought tears to our eyes.
His greatest gift was song… Óotahkoisaapóp knew so many songs and further gifted me in relation to that by naming my youngest daughter Dallis Rose, Aakainihki (Sings Many Sings). He recalled all the events in which he miraculously survived life threatening events… and then gave Dallis Rose the name and the power of those events so she may live to be 100 years.
I can still hear Óotahkoisaapóp singing the Sacred Kit Fox songs as no one else could… and his endearing words after scolding us… “You no goot.”
Óotahkoisaapóp, I have one thing to say to you,
“You were Goot…” Thank you. I love you too… we will call you back from the spirit world as you requested for as long as we are here in this world of the living. You must be a Naatoiyiitapi (Powerful person) where you are now.