Raven Raine Bastien ‘Iksstsisinaakii’
May 27, 1981 to January 10, 2026
May 27, 1981 to January 10, 2026
Our beautiful Raven Raine ‘Iksstsisinaakii’ (Bush Cree Woman) began her journey to the ancestors on January 10, 2026, at the age 44 years young in Lethbridge AB. Raven Raine Bastien was born on May 27, 1981 in La Ronge, SK. She is survived by her daughter Aries Rain, her mom Babette Bastien-Many Bears (Lambert); Sisters: Tanya Many Bears, Kristen Bastien, Kacie Many Bears (Dale). Her Godmother Elsie Bastien and baby brother Daren Thomas (Carla).
Raven was born in northern Saskatchewan where her mom was living with Auntie Betty Bastien. Betty was so honored that Raven was born on her birthday, May 27th. Her Great Grandmother Mary (Sunday) bestowed her Blackfoot name ‘Iksstsisinaakii’ (Bush Cree Woman) because she was born in the bush among the Cree people.
Raven was the first great grandchild to George and Mary Bastien, first grandchild to Blandine Bastien. She was raised on the Bastien Ranch, then in Lethbridge, and after her parents met with the Many Bears family.
Education was very important to Raven, she attended the Lethbridge Community College satellite campus in Fort Macleod to complete her upgrading. At one point the LCC was going to shut down the campus in Fort Macleod, due to lack of enrolment. Raven and Neena Yellowface went on a recruitment drive and saved their satellite campus. They organized open houses with stew and bannock which were great success. She graduated that year in May 2005.
Raven graduated from Red Crow Community College in the Niitsitapi Educational Assistance Certificate Program in June 2019, then went on to work in the Holy Spirit School Division. She enjoyed her work with autistic and special needs children.
Raven gifted her parents with their first grandchild in October 1999, when George James Reese was born. With James, she had two more children: Jenna Rain and Jordon Owen Ross. Sadly, they all passed on to their spiritual journey in 2009. This tragic loss would lay heavy in Raven’s spirit and her heart.
In 2018, Raven and Willy were blessed with Miss Aries Rain, she completed their family. For 7 years of the 16 years they were together, Aries was the focus of their love and home. They had lavish birthday gatherings for Aries, created every opportunity for Aries to experience life and to know her extended families. They attended Powwows so Aries could dance and attended ceremony that contributed to her wellbeing and for themselves.
Raven is survived by her Bastien extended family: Elsie, Brian (Barbara), Cochise (Barb), Erwin (Cathy), Joseph (Krysla), Chief Troy (Bossman) Knowlton (Lisa), Angel Knowlton, Melodie Bastien, Brooker Yellow Horn (Sonia), Peetah Bastien (BettyJo), Lee Bastien (Michelle), Natasha Stevenson (Neil).
Raven is also survived by her Many Bears family, Uncles Winston, Warner (Debbie), Raymond (Greta),
Edmond, Randy (Gail), Leonard, Tony (Jennifer), and Ivan. Aunts Adeline, Celestine, Rosella and Delores
Traditional brothers: Nathan, Corwin, Yjow-zeh Many Bears; Nathan Long Time Squirrel, Cody Steele; Traditional Sisters: Kendra Many Bears, Nicole Long Time Squirrel, Lori Eagle Plume, Dana Wells Durocher, Candace Shade, Neena Yellow Face.
Raven was pre-deceased by her husband William ‘Willy’ Wolf Child (May 2025), her children Reese,
Jenna, Jordon, and their dad James Wells (July 2009), her dad Thomas Many Bears (January 2012) her Grandmother Blandine Bastien (November 2025). Great-Grandparents: Mary (Sunday) 1994 and George Bastien 1986.
Maternal Uncles and Aunt: Stanley in 1978, Stewart 1943, Elmer 1994, Cecil 2021, Betty 2023.
Traditional brother/sister: Weston Omeasoo - Knowlton (2023) Krisma Bastien-Lopez (2018) Angie Bastien (2022)
Maternal Great-great Grandparents: Josephine Plain Eagle 1954 and Albert Sunday (Born with A Tooth) 1924. Paternal Great-great Grandparents: Lucy Black Weasel and Frank Bastien. Maternal Great-great-great Grandparents: Sunday, Pretty Woman, Striped Squirrel, and Light Shawl Woman.
Raven’s maternal clan is the Lone Fighter’s Clan. Her extended relatives include the following families:
Sunday, Bastien, Plain Eagle, Born With A Tooth, Smith, Crowshoe, Wolftail, Warrior, Provost, Yellowhorn, Many Guns, Long Time Squirrel, Rides at the Door, Many Bears, Weasel Heads.
A Wake Service will be held at Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve on Friday, January 16 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve on Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 am. The Feast will take place at Old Agency Hall following the graveside service. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
Raven was born in northern Saskatchewan where her mom was living with Auntie Betty Bastien. Betty was so honored that Raven was born on her birthday, May 27th. Her Great Grandmother Mary (Sunday) bestowed her Blackfoot name ‘Iksstsisinaakii’ (Bush Cree Woman) because she was born in the bush among the Cree people.
Raven was the first great grandchild to George and Mary Bastien, first grandchild to Blandine Bastien. She was raised on the Bastien Ranch, then in Lethbridge, and after her parents met with the Many Bears family.
Education was very important to Raven, she attended the Lethbridge Community College satellite campus in Fort Macleod to complete her upgrading. At one point the LCC was going to shut down the campus in Fort Macleod, due to lack of enrolment. Raven and Neena Yellowface went on a recruitment drive and saved their satellite campus. They organized open houses with stew and bannock which were great success. She graduated that year in May 2005.
Raven graduated from Red Crow Community College in the Niitsitapi Educational Assistance Certificate Program in June 2019, then went on to work in the Holy Spirit School Division. She enjoyed her work with autistic and special needs children.
Raven gifted her parents with their first grandchild in October 1999, when George James Reese was born. With James, she had two more children: Jenna Rain and Jordon Owen Ross. Sadly, they all passed on to their spiritual journey in 2009. This tragic loss would lay heavy in Raven’s spirit and her heart.
In 2018, Raven and Willy were blessed with Miss Aries Rain, she completed their family. For 7 years of the 16 years they were together, Aries was the focus of their love and home. They had lavish birthday gatherings for Aries, created every opportunity for Aries to experience life and to know her extended families. They attended Powwows so Aries could dance and attended ceremony that contributed to her wellbeing and for themselves.
Raven is survived by her Bastien extended family: Elsie, Brian (Barbara), Cochise (Barb), Erwin (Cathy), Joseph (Krysla), Chief Troy (Bossman) Knowlton (Lisa), Angel Knowlton, Melodie Bastien, Brooker Yellow Horn (Sonia), Peetah Bastien (BettyJo), Lee Bastien (Michelle), Natasha Stevenson (Neil).
Raven is also survived by her Many Bears family, Uncles Winston, Warner (Debbie), Raymond (Greta),
Edmond, Randy (Gail), Leonard, Tony (Jennifer), and Ivan. Aunts Adeline, Celestine, Rosella and Delores
Traditional brothers: Nathan, Corwin, Yjow-zeh Many Bears; Nathan Long Time Squirrel, Cody Steele; Traditional Sisters: Kendra Many Bears, Nicole Long Time Squirrel, Lori Eagle Plume, Dana Wells Durocher, Candace Shade, Neena Yellow Face.
Raven was pre-deceased by her husband William ‘Willy’ Wolf Child (May 2025), her children Reese,
Jenna, Jordon, and their dad James Wells (July 2009), her dad Thomas Many Bears (January 2012) her Grandmother Blandine Bastien (November 2025). Great-Grandparents: Mary (Sunday) 1994 and George Bastien 1986.
Maternal Uncles and Aunt: Stanley in 1978, Stewart 1943, Elmer 1994, Cecil 2021, Betty 2023.
Traditional brother/sister: Weston Omeasoo - Knowlton (2023) Krisma Bastien-Lopez (2018) Angie Bastien (2022)
Maternal Great-great Grandparents: Josephine Plain Eagle 1954 and Albert Sunday (Born with A Tooth) 1924. Paternal Great-great Grandparents: Lucy Black Weasel and Frank Bastien. Maternal Great-great-great Grandparents: Sunday, Pretty Woman, Striped Squirrel, and Light Shawl Woman.
Raven’s maternal clan is the Lone Fighter’s Clan. Her extended relatives include the following families:
Sunday, Bastien, Plain Eagle, Born With A Tooth, Smith, Crowshoe, Wolftail, Warrior, Provost, Yellowhorn, Many Guns, Long Time Squirrel, Rides at the Door, Many Bears, Weasel Heads.
A Wake Service will be held at Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve on Friday, January 16 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve on Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 am. The Feast will take place at Old Agency Hall following the graveside service. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve.