Roxanne "kâmiyowâpikwanît ᑳᒥᔪᐚᐱᑿᓃᐟ" Tootoosis

Roxanne was raised on the Poundmaker Cree Nation near Cut Knife, Saskatchewan who while living in Edmonton became a strong advocate for many. She spent many years working with youth, mothers and families as a social worker. Through the experience of family loss, she felt compelled to pursue academic research in the field of perinatal loss and specifically the experiences of Aboriginal women. She was a Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality candidate at the University of Alberta. Roxanne was passionate about her work as a Knowledge Keeper and sharing her teachings with those who were graced with her presence. She carried herself in the highest ethical standards required as someone entrusted with cultural teachings of her ancestors, and she loved being able to share as a Knowledge Keeper those teachings with those who sought her out or who were in her presence. She did so with such Grace, Caring and Love. She loved learning, especially in the cultural realm that helped better understand healing as well as spreading love and light amongst all things.

Most recently Roxanne’s advocacy involved participating on a committee of Indigenous women who gave the 12 wards of Edmonton Indigenous names. She is an active member of iyiniw iskwewak wihtwâwin (Indigenous Women's Action/Movement).

Roxanne was known for her energy and the love she exuded. She genuinely cared about all of the people she met. You knew when you were in her presence. Her Cree language and culture were a big part of her life with ceremony being central to everything she did. She was the ultimate learner and teacher.

Roxanne is survived by her children, Niska, Quanah, family members Janice Tootoosis, Warren Tootoosis, Malcolm Andrews, Milton Tootoosis and Shelly, June Tootoosis, Carol Tootoosis, Sherry Tootoosis and Clarence, Lorylle, John, Kailani & Kaylin Sirois and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She had many friends who she considered family and referred to her as nimis. Roxanne was predeceased by her parents Lawrence Weenie and Margaret Tootoosis, her sister Lori, her grandchildren mihko pihêsiw iskwêw (Elayna), Wa’qot’ (okanagan-wild horse) and Kehiwawasis.

A Celebration of Life was held at MacEwan University on August 30, 2021 where she worked as the Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and Facilitator. The funeral will be held at the Veterans’ Hall on Poundmaker Cree Nation on September 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at the Poundmaker gravesite.

“Know who you are first, and you’ll never get lost.”

Grant Macewan's Tribute to Roxanne Tootoosis

https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/MacEwanNews/ROXANNE_TOOTOOSIS_MEMORIAM