Dennis Brian Francis

He was born on October 15, 1946, to Dorothy and Joseph Francis in Broadview Saskatchewan.

Dennis is survived by, his partner of 34 years, Patti; their son Kaiman; and his daughter, Tracy; Sisters Keitha and Shirley; 15 nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Joseph; brothers Hughie and Bruce; sisters, Frieda, Juanita, Josephine and Monica; his daughter Erica; 3 nieces and nephews.

Dennis’s earliest years were spent on the family farm amid the sprawling landscape and big blue skies of Kakaweshtahaw Nation near Broadview Saskatchewan. Later the family moved to Regina where Dennis and his brother Huey attended Indian Day School while their older siblings were living in Residential Schools.

Summers growing up in the Francis family included traveling the powwow trail. Early on Dennis proved himself to be a naturally gifted dancer. He lived for powwow. His love of dance, and the comradery among his fellow dancers, zig zagged him all over Turtle Island, from one winner’s circle to the other for some 50 plus years. When Dennis wasn’t dancing powwow, he was likely organ-izing or working one. He was instrumental in growing the Toronto powwow into one of the biggest in North America at its peak.

Beyond Dennis’ contribution to powwow and dancing, was his day job. For most of his working career he followed the footsteps of his mother into the Friendship Centre movement. A movement dedicated to improving the quality of life for urban aboriginal people. Over the course of 30 years Dennis served as the Executive Director for centres in Calgary, Alberta, Merritt, BC, and London, Ontario.

In the mid 90s Dennis was elected President of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), to represent over 100 urban centres throughout Canada. In 2002 Dennis was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal for his exemplary service to the aboriginal people in Canada.

Dennis will long be remembered by friends, family, colleagues and competitors all over Turtle Island and beyond for his friendly smile, his big laugh and his even bigger heart for his people.

A gathering for Dennis will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 2800 Sumas Mountain Road, Sumas, British Columbia.