Nellie Anne Rider was gifted to the Nakoda people on May 28, 1957 in Wolseley, Saskatchewan. Nellie started her journey home on January 1, 2022.
Nellie was predeceased by her mom; Elma Rider and her father, George Rider. She was also predeceased by her brothers: Glen, Carl James (Jimmy), Gordon Gary and Warren and one son – baby boy.
Nellie’s children: Leon Rider, Garrett Ironquill (Ashley), Steve Ironquill (Desirae), and daughters - Janine Rider, Tara Cross and Marla Thompson are left to mourn. Nellie has also left her grandchildren: Breeze and Keanu (Leon), Kieran Settee (Garrett), Nitanis, Kiana and Kingston (Steve) and Nicola (Tara) and great-grandchildren Paisley and Elliana (Breeze). Nellie leaves the following siblings to mourn: Karen, Barbara (Kevin), Kurt (Ivy), Sheila and Pam (John).
Nellie was a lifelong educator who specialized in special education introducing innovative programs such as equine therapy for K-12 students. Nellie was known throughout Turtle Island as a healer, medicine person, friend, mentor, knowledge keeper, elder and as a powerful matriarch.
The funeral service was held in the Carry The Kettle Community Hall, Carry The Kettle First Nation on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Please keep the family in your prayers.
