Richard Steve Whitecloud

Richard Steve Whitecloud, Wiča-kta-na (He Who Kills First), Wakinyan-duta (Red Thunderbird), Makopeaso (Cree translation of "Red Thunderbird"), Ištah-to (Blue Eyes), was born on October 21, 1952 and passed away on March 1, 2020.

Richard is predeceased by his paternal grandmother Wiyaka Whitecloud of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in Manitoba; maternal grandfather Leo Redman; and maternal grandmother Clara Redman (nee Sioux) both of the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation here in Saskatchewan; father John Steve Whitecloud of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation; and mother Adeline Redman of the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. He is also predeceased by his brothers Wilbert, Russell, Arthur, and Evan; sisters Wilma, Mary Lucy, and an infant baby sister; and special friends Dennis Thorne and Cliff Tawiyaka.

Richard is survived by his children and their families Bradley (Alexis and Michael), Stephanie (Mervin and Traeger), Jaynie-Lee (Jeremy, Elizabetta, and Saoirse), Matthew (Sage and Wakiza) and Aumrie. He is also survived by his siblings Dwayne, Kelly, Ryan, Roger, Angela, Diana, and Darla; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family through customary adoptions and friends.

A resident of the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation, Rick was known to be a helper of others. He grew up in the Indian Residential School system, and as such, was able to relate to many of the people whom he crossed paths with over the years. Like many others who attended these schools, Rick was prevented from being immersed in his Dakota language, ceremonies and culture. However, he lived to incorporate these back into his adult life and in the lives of his children. Formally educated, he received his secondary diploma in 1972 from Mount Royal Collegiate in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, his Certificate of Health Care Administration in 1987 from the University of Saskatchewan, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1991 from the University of Regina.

As a young man, Rick spent as many hours as he could with community elders, listening and learning from them. Rick was known to have a wealth of knowledge whenever it came to discussing the various family lineages within his own community, as well as others. Through these stories, his children recall how he longed for the old people and their company. They are comforted in knowing that his spirit is reunited with them.

At the time of his passing, Rick was retired. He had worked in the criminal justice system for the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council for approximately 18 years. As an Aboriginal Court Worker, he assisted many and had earned the respect of his colleagues, lawyers, judges and most importantly, his clients. He had a passion for First Nation politics and as such, had served as a Band Councillor and then as Chief for the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation in the late 1970's and 1980's.

In his leisure time throughout his life, Rick enjoyed travelling to pow-wows and other traditional ceremonies. Whether he was participating or simply there to support his children, he loved the singing and songs of the Dakota people. He was also an artisan skilled in the talent of beadwork. He would spend many hours meticulously beading Dakota designs into his various works of art.

Ultimately, Rick had a sense of humour. He believed that there was no situation serious enough to not be able to find the humour within it. His children recall this teaching vividly and have learned to appreciate its value, especially during a time like this. Although he will be forever loved and missed, his children are happy that they got to enjoy him for as long as they have and they are comforted in knowing that their spirits will unite with him in the next realm.