DAY CHIEF, Brenda

DAY CHIEF

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the Day Chief family announces the sudden passing of Sipinaamaayaakii (Night Gun Woman) BRENDA DAY CHIEF on February 15, 2021 at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with Covid 19. Brenda was born on May 12,1961 to Rosaline Day Chief and Joe Rabbit. She leaves to mourn her husband Robert Delaney, daughters Lana (Kelvin Shouting) Day Chief, Charnelle (Jiggs), and son Corey (Erika) Day Chief. Grandchildren: Brenda raised her granddaughter Dakota, who she referred to as “my Kipitaipokaa”, Trez, Karlee, Coco, Jeziah and Kaylin. Sisters: Louann (Troy Many Fingers) and Julie Birdstone. brothers: Wayne Day Chief, Andrew (Michealina) Rabbit, Norman Black Plume and Bruce (Trina) Iron Shirt. Uncles: Wilton (Trina) Day Chief, Chester (Bonnie) Day Chief, Bruce (Carla) Day Chief and Perry (Lorena) Day Chief, Aunties: Mary Ruth McDougall, Christine Shade, Mae Singer, Myrna Chief Moon, Martha Day Chief, June Day Chief, Rita (Kieth) Red Crow, Harriet Day Chief, Laverne (Rod) First Rider, Patsy Day Chief and Delia (John) Chief Moon. Nieces & Nephews: Jamie (Gina) Eagle Bear, Chelsi-lynia (Brad) Wolf Child, Kaycee Twigg, Markee (Tealson) Smith, Lane (Cara) Day Chief, Dacia (Slade) Delaney, Nat Iron Heart (Tessia), Celina Rabbit, Chris Rabbit, Andrew Jr. Rabbit, Brian Rabbit, Rueben Rabbit, Audrey Rabbit, Joseph Rabbit, Desmond Rabbit, Amber Rabbit, Joey Iron Shirt, Carlos Iron Shirt, Stacey Iron Shirt, Candace Black Plume, Kelly Black Plume and Eric Jr. Black Plume. Brothers: Winston Jr, Barney, Dexter, Dale, Ernest, Tracy, Kelly, Chris, Tyler, Charles, Matt, Leon, Kesley, Victor, John, Terrance, Radford, Brad, Darryl and Bryce. Sisters: Lucille (Eugene) White Quills, Debbie (Johnny) McDougall, Karen (Tom) Healy, Annette (Brian), Margi, Kim (BJ) Little Bear, Charlene, Tracy (Geoff) Healy, Renita, and Dennis and Melissa Calling Last. When our niece Claire joined the family she accepted her with open arms. Brenda was raised at the Belly Buttes and Saokoioohtss on the Blood reserve where she lived most of her life. It was a life typical of family togetherness where everyone knew everyone else. In 1977 Brenda met Robert Delaney, who is from the Blood/Siksika reserve, and they later married in 2005. They made their home on the Blood reserve and together they raised their family. Brenda took great pride in her grandchildren who were a major source of fulfillment for her. Her grandson Jeziah’s interest of chicken dancing launched a joint interest for her family to join the pow wow trail. Trez and Coco became chicken dancers learning from family member Nat Iron Heart, while Kaylin’s interest was to jingle dance. Brenda took the time to travel and bring her grandchildren to any destination the pow wow trail would take them. Black Otter, Sorrel Rider, Young Spirit, Northern Cree became her favourite pow wow singers and during this time she met and took Nick Running Rabbit/Chief Moon as a son and good friend. The family was very proud of Brenda for all her accomplishments, as she was the first to graduate from High School; the first to receive a degree (1993) from the University of Lethbridge and the first one to receive a Masters of Education: Reading Specialist/Special Education from Sinte Gleska University (2007). Brenda was employed by Kainai Board of Education from 1993-2021 and dedicated her life to her students. In 2005-2011 she served in the capacity as SPED/Learning Support Teacher at both elementary schools. In 2011-2013, she became the Associate Principal and Learning Support Teacher for Aahsaopi Elementary School and for the past eight years (2013-2021) Brenda took on the role of Student Services Coordinator. It was in this position that she along with the Learning Support Teachers worked on the development of a Student Services Handbook and Policies; in which the Board then recommended a Special Education Ad Hoc Committee be formed. In her pursuit to provide the best care for the KBE students, Brenda developed the Elders-In-Residence program and worked closely with School Counselors and the Learning Support Teachers in all KBE schools. Brenda consistently demonstrated her excellent work ethics throughout her time with KBE and always went over and above to ensure the best for all students. Throughout her years with KBE, Brenda generously provided Christmas hampers for her students who were less fortunate. She encouraged family and friends to focus on their physical health and well-being. The relationships that we have in our lives help to form who we are as a person; who we surround ourselves with speaks mountains about us, and to us. True, supportive friends become family. Losing a loved one is not easy, but the support we received from Connie Wells, Lauretta Many Bears, Donna Russell and her friends’, have made this time easier for us. These friendships just feel right and take very little effort to uphold. Brenda actively practiced both Catholicism and traditional ways. She was so proud to complete a four year vow in which she immersed herself as a participant dancer at a Sundance. This past year she proudly assisted her granddaughter Dakota when she was asked to take part in the Okaan, at Aahko’ka’tssin. She was interested in joining the Maotokiiks (Buffalo Women Society), although this never came to pass. She attended church every Sunday and said her rosaries unfailingly. Sipinaamaayaakii (Night Gun Woman) is also survived by extended families, Ronald and Dick Day Chief family members, Hunts, Rabbits, Little Bears, Beebe, Heavy Head, Heavy Runner, Mountain Horse, Weasel Head, Shade, Singer, McDougall. We are sorry if we left anyone out as she had so many relatives. Sipinaamaayaakii was predeceased by her: Mother: Rosaline Day Chief, Father: Joe Rabbit. Sister: Jodie Marie, Nephew: Joey. Brothers: Michael, James, Curtis, Robert and Joseph. Maternal Grandparents: Victor and Lucy Day Chief. Uncles: Winston, Jarvis and Ervin Shade. Aunties: Alfreda, Doris and Judy. Paternal Grandfather: Bob Rabbit and Louise Healy, Uncle: Bernard Rabbit, Aunties: Emma Rabbit and Irene Weasel Head. In accordance with the families wishes and in light of the Covid pandemic, a family celebration of life will be held at a later date. We would like to thank the staff of KBE for their contribution. Many thanks to the staff at the Lethbridge Chinook Regional Hospital for their loving care. And for all your prayers, all your text messages, and to those who stopped by the hospital in our time of need. We would like to thank Southwest Collaborative Support Services’ for their kind donation to a charity of choice in Brenda’s honour. A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, February 25th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A Viewing will also be held on Friday, February 26th from 9:00 – 11:00 am with a Private Family Service to follow at 11:00 am at Legacy Funeral Home. Due to COVID -19 Restrictions only 20 people will be allowed into the service at a time.

To WATCH the service Online or to send condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca