Carl (Big Head) Brave Rock “Amskapohkitopii” (American Rider)
March 30th, 1982 – December 20th, 2021
Carl Dion “Tucker” Brave Rock is the firstborn child of Ramona Big Head and Mark Brave Rock. His traditional Blackfoot name, Amskapohkitopii (American/South Rider), came from a dream his mother had when Carl was still a teenager. The name was transferred to him by elder, Bruce Wolf Child (Makoyipooka). The transfer was done in the most humblest and simplest of naming ceremonies in Makoyipooka’s living room for a payment of $20 and a package of tobacco.
Carl was a bit of a terror to all of his younger siblings, but was the first to stand up and protect them as well. He was only two years old when his younger sister, Galena “Sissy” was born. Tucker and Sissy were inseparable and they were often thought of as twins. But, the two had to grow up very quickly with the arrival of their identical triplet sisters: Shawnee, Aloni and Oshana. Imagine, Carl was only four and Galena was only two years old when the triplets were born! Tucker and Sissy became “runners” for their parents… running for bottles, diapers, etc.
The family continued to grow when Jesse was born only 15 months after the triplets. Carl finally had a younger brother. Although, initially, Jesse looked up to his older brother, but it wasn’t long before Carl had no choice but to look up to his 6’9” younger brother.
Then, 13 months after Jesse, the youngest baby, Saya (or Gloria Florence) was born. At that point, Carl was only 6 years old. He became the man of the house when his parents divorced soon after Saya was born.
However, Carl still had more siblings to love and protect with the arrival of Starly, Letisha and J. Man Brave Rock. Thus, making him the oldest of 10 by the time he was ten years old.
Carl was always a smart, articulate and bright little boy. He began walking at 10 months old and was talking by the time he was a year old. He soon paved the way for his younger siblings in school. He was already winning academic and attendance awards in the elementary schools he attended in Lethbridge.
The first sport that Carl played was soccer. He led his team to provincial championships three years in a row. In one championship game, the score was 6 to 0 for Carl’s team. He scored three goals and assisted the other three. He eventually made it onto the Lethbridge Cosmos, a prestigious provincial soccer team.
Carl also played the violin at a very young age. His ear for music was remarkable and he could listen to a tune and play it by memory onto the violin and piano. One time he brought his great-grandma, Annie Bare Shin Bone, to tears while he played the violin because he reminded Grandma Annie of her father, Charlie Blood, who was also a fiddle player in his day.
Carl’s family eventually moved back to the Blood Reserve when his mother began her teaching career at Kainai High School. Carl eventually graduated from KHS in 2000. However, he graduated only after taking his mother’s English 30 class three times before he passed. He never let his mother forget how many times he failed her English class. But, his mother always reminded him that she never fails students… they fail themselves by not doing their work! Nevertheless, he was KHS Student Body President and organized so many fun activities for the students.
Carl inherited his father’s exceptional athletic abilities for basketball, track and cross-country. He, along with his cousin, Jimmy Big Head, whom he grew up with and took as an older brother, also excelled in basketball and cross-country. Carl and Jimmy, along with their fellow teammates, brought a few provincial cross-country banners to Kainai High School under the coaching of Lloyd Price, Dwayne Donald and John Wort-Hannam.
Carl was super-intelligent and was an avid reader. He shared his mother’s love of books and they would often borrow or steal each other’s books and argue over which book belonged to whom. One time, Carl’s schoolmate remarked that he needed to pull out a dictionary whenever he listened to Carl and his mother having a conversation.
Soon, after high school, Carl’s firstborn daughter, Jaylynn Young Pine was born. Jaylynn and her husband, Colton Shade, have two sons, Zuhkai and Hayes Shade. Carl was very proud of his beautiful oldest daughter and he loved her dearly. He was also very happy to be a grandpa.
Carl’s second daughter is Leshaye Lee Marie Hairy Bull. Leshaye’s mother, the late Natasha Hairy Bull and Carl both loved and cherished their daughter dearly. Leshaye shares her dad’s love of reading, writing and is an exceptional public speaker as well.
A few years later, Carl met his wife, Candace White Man Left and he lovingly accepted her daughter Brooklyn Black Plume as his own. Soon Carl and Candace brought more joy into this world with the birth of their three children; their daughter, Presley Dion Rain; their son, Hunter Reigns, and baby girl Rylee Nicole Brave Rock.
Carl’s children would often be present when he performed at his storytelling gigs, rap concerts and drama productions. Presley and Hunter grew up at the Fort in Fort Macleod where Carl spent many summers working as an interpreter and announcer for the North West Mounted Police Musical Rides. His children were also lovingly called “theatre rats” because of the time they spent exploring every nook and cranny at the Empress Theatre and the Cardston Community Theatre while their dad was either rehearsing or performing in various drama productions.
Carl was also the host of his own radio talk show called “Tukk Live” on Jess FM Radio Station in Lethbridge. He interviewed a variety of guests from politics to activists and performing artists.
Carl had a passion and love of higher learning. As a student at Red Crow Community College, he loved the courses and program designed by Dr. Betty Bastien. It was in this program where his level of Indigenous academic studies grew and his love for research and writing blossomed. Prior to that, he was a student at the University of Lethbridge and, needless to say, he was voted as President of the Indigenous Student Association.
Carl’s multi-talented nature would often bring the community together. He collaborated with his mother on many occasions with drama productions and concerts. Carl’s love of acting and theatre brought him to study at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in Toronto. Tukk also loved to perform with Jessie Black Water and Blood Rez Crew. He is also a recording artist with many of his Rap Music posted on his own Youtube channel.
Carl was always up for any kind of announcing “gig” he was hired for, including a rough stock rodeo in Pikaani and the Indian Horse Relay in Lethbridge. Although, he knew next to nothing about these types of events, he went for it anyway! He loved the fact that he was following in the footsteps of his late grandpa, Peter Big Head and his uncle, Floyd Big Head who are renowned auctioneers and rodeo and powwow announcers.
Carl was a gifted writer and storyteller. He was often invited to schools throughout Southern Alberta to share traditional Blackfoot stories with children. Of course, these stories were all told with his own twisted sense of humour. Carl also developed a love for traditional drumming and singing. He spent time learning his uncle Lester Low Horn’s sundance songs and loved to sing at sweatlodge ceremonies. In the past few summers, he took on the task of fire keeper at Mickey Smith’s Sundance in Pikaani and at the Bull Horn Coulee Sundance where his mother danced.
Carl was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Galena’s children: Teesh and Joseph Morigeau; Shawnee’s children: Everett and Acacia Soop; Sioux and Delilah Day Rider. And great niece: Renesme Soop (Acacia’s baby); Oshana and Jorge’s Children: Suzette, Ezra, Victoria and Samuel Christiansen; Jesse’s children: Celes Wild Gun, Galena, Julius, Emma Brave Rock; Hazen Wolf Plume; and Xander Iron Horn; Starly’s Children: Noella, Ka’ksimo; Letisha’s son: Lendrix; J Man’s Children: Neveah, Rita, and Jayce; Jimmy and Margie’s Children: Jagger and Che.
Carl’s only living grandpa Alex (Jack) Red Crow also had a huge impact in his life.
The family are deeply grateful for those who took time to pray, visit, sing, text, and be with Carl during his last few weeks, especially his dear friend Jodi Many Fingers.
Carl was deeply affected by the death of his younger sister, Galena, in 2006. It brings comfort to the family knowing that both he and his uncle, Dennis (Wells) Brave Rock have made their journey together into the Spirit World to be reunited with loved ones.
Carl will be welcomed into the Spirit World by his paternal grandparents, Florence (Wells) and Wilfrid Brave Rock; his maternal grandparents, Gloria (Scout) Red Crow and Peter Big Head. Also, his adopted grandmother, Rosaline Day Chief.
His paternal great-grandparents in Spirit World are Molly (Long Time Squirrel) and James Wells Sr.; Maggie (Little Skunk) and Ernest Brave Rock.
His maternal great-grandparents are Ivy (Spear Chief) and George Scout; Annie (Blood) and John Bare Shin Bone and Willie Big Head. Carl is also a descendent of Natohkyiaakii (Holy Bear Woman) who survived the 1870 Baker Massacre.
His maternal uncles and aunties are: Floyd (Maxine) Big Head; Leonard Big Head; Ivyanne Big Head; Yvonne (Don) Shouting; Emile Big Head; Bonnie Big Head; Jennifer (Terry) Ivins; Shawn Big Head and Peter Jr. (PJ) Big Head.
His paternal uncles and aunties are: Gino (Wells) Brave Rock; Dennis (Wells) Brave Rock; Wanda Hind Bull; Ernest James Brave Rock; Faron Brave Rock and Gary Brave Rock; John Heavy Runner;
His maternal great aunties and uncles are: Ruby (Joe) Eagle Plume; Sylvia (Dale) Low Horn; Roy and Christine Bare Shin Bone; Linda (Jim) Shot Both Sides; Lucille Bare Shin Bone; Jordan and Susan Bare Shin Bone; Johnny and Randy Bare Shin Bone; Gail and Randy Many Bears.
Beatrice and Gilbert Big Sorrel Horse; Julia Striped Wolf; Warner Scout; Oliver and Frankie Scout; Elizabeth Big Head; David Yellow Feet; Glen Yellow Feet; Irvin Yellow Feet; Iris (Randy) Knife; Wayne Yellow Feet; Gerald and Eric Cold Weather.
His paternal great aunties and uncles are: Theresa (Phillip) Mistaken Chief; Shirley (Hugh) Calf Robe; Jerry (Olive) Wells; Edwin-Smokey (Darlene) Wells; Jimmy (Julianna) Wells; Nina (Eric) Buckskin; Joan Little Shields; Anna Wells; Jordan Wells; Gordon and Yvonne Morning Bird; Shirley Mountain Horse; Bernadine Healy; Nap Black Rabbit; Bernard Shouting; and Esther First Rider
Ted (Annie) Brave Rock; Mervin (Louise) Brave Rock; Adeline (Bill) Singer; Alvine White Quills; Gloria Eagle Tailfeathers and Gladys Buckskin.
Carl will also be welcomed by his close relatives who’ve recently gone into the Spirit World: Gary Brave Rock, Jovian Big Head, Bonnie Big Head, Shawn Big Head, PJ Big Head, Candace Holy Singer, Amelia Willows, Sylvia Low Horn, Linda Shot Both Sides, Willie Singer IV, Elana Many Fingers, Brenda Day Chief, Juanita Eagle Plume, Darlene Eagle Plume, Courtney Eagle Plume, Shawn Big Sorrel Horse, Maggie Big Sorrel Horse, Shae Standing Alone, Gilbert Big Sorrel Horse, Dugan Weasel Moccasin, Kakaato’sakii Low Horn-Wadsworth, Patrick Bare Shin Bone, Bruce Bare Shin Bone, CJ Hind Bull, Tanis Brave Rock, Levi Brave Rock, Dale Marvin Brave Rock, Devon Blood, Cameron Blood, Marshelle Vielle, Stanley Ryan Tyson Brave Rock and Brandon Morigeau.
The family apologize for anyone we may have forgotten, but know they are special in our hearts.
A Wake service will be held at White Calf Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm (rotating of 50 people every 30 minutes). The Funeral service will follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, South Hill Chapel, 950 Main Street, Cardston on Wednesday, December 29 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve, AB.
Click to Send the Family a Condolence
March 30th, 1982 – December 20th, 2021
Carl Dion “Tucker” Brave Rock is the firstborn child of Ramona Big Head and Mark Brave Rock. His traditional Blackfoot name, Amskapohkitopii (American/South Rider), came from a dream his mother had when Carl was still a teenager. The name was transferred to him by elder, Bruce Wolf Child (Makoyipooka). The transfer was done in the most humblest and simplest of naming ceremonies in Makoyipooka’s living room for a payment of $20 and a package of tobacco.
Carl was a bit of a terror to all of his younger siblings, but was the first to stand up and protect them as well. He was only two years old when his younger sister, Galena “Sissy” was born. Tucker and Sissy were inseparable and they were often thought of as twins. But, the two had to grow up very quickly with the arrival of their identical triplet sisters: Shawnee, Aloni and Oshana. Imagine, Carl was only four and Galena was only two years old when the triplets were born! Tucker and Sissy became “runners” for their parents… running for bottles, diapers, etc.
The family continued to grow when Jesse was born only 15 months after the triplets. Carl finally had a younger brother. Although, initially, Jesse looked up to his older brother, but it wasn’t long before Carl had no choice but to look up to his 6’9” younger brother.
Then, 13 months after Jesse, the youngest baby, Saya (or Gloria Florence) was born. At that point, Carl was only 6 years old. He became the man of the house when his parents divorced soon after Saya was born.
However, Carl still had more siblings to love and protect with the arrival of Starly, Letisha and J. Man Brave Rock. Thus, making him the oldest of 10 by the time he was ten years old.
Carl was always a smart, articulate and bright little boy. He began walking at 10 months old and was talking by the time he was a year old. He soon paved the way for his younger siblings in school. He was already winning academic and attendance awards in the elementary schools he attended in Lethbridge.
The first sport that Carl played was soccer. He led his team to provincial championships three years in a row. In one championship game, the score was 6 to 0 for Carl’s team. He scored three goals and assisted the other three. He eventually made it onto the Lethbridge Cosmos, a prestigious provincial soccer team.
Carl also played the violin at a very young age. His ear for music was remarkable and he could listen to a tune and play it by memory onto the violin and piano. One time he brought his great-grandma, Annie Bare Shin Bone, to tears while he played the violin because he reminded Grandma Annie of her father, Charlie Blood, who was also a fiddle player in his day.
Carl’s family eventually moved back to the Blood Reserve when his mother began her teaching career at Kainai High School. Carl eventually graduated from KHS in 2000. However, he graduated only after taking his mother’s English 30 class three times before he passed. He never let his mother forget how many times he failed her English class. But, his mother always reminded him that she never fails students… they fail themselves by not doing their work! Nevertheless, he was KHS Student Body President and organized so many fun activities for the students.
Carl inherited his father’s exceptional athletic abilities for basketball, track and cross-country. He, along with his cousin, Jimmy Big Head, whom he grew up with and took as an older brother, also excelled in basketball and cross-country. Carl and Jimmy, along with their fellow teammates, brought a few provincial cross-country banners to Kainai High School under the coaching of Lloyd Price, Dwayne Donald and John Wort-Hannam.
Carl was super-intelligent and was an avid reader. He shared his mother’s love of books and they would often borrow or steal each other’s books and argue over which book belonged to whom. One time, Carl’s schoolmate remarked that he needed to pull out a dictionary whenever he listened to Carl and his mother having a conversation.
Soon, after high school, Carl’s firstborn daughter, Jaylynn Young Pine was born. Jaylynn and her husband, Colton Shade, have two sons, Zuhkai and Hayes Shade. Carl was very proud of his beautiful oldest daughter and he loved her dearly. He was also very happy to be a grandpa.
Carl’s second daughter is Leshaye Lee Marie Hairy Bull. Leshaye’s mother, the late Natasha Hairy Bull and Carl both loved and cherished their daughter dearly. Leshaye shares her dad’s love of reading, writing and is an exceptional public speaker as well.
A few years later, Carl met his wife, Candace White Man Left and he lovingly accepted her daughter Brooklyn Black Plume as his own. Soon Carl and Candace brought more joy into this world with the birth of their three children; their daughter, Presley Dion Rain; their son, Hunter Reigns, and baby girl Rylee Nicole Brave Rock.
Carl’s children would often be present when he performed at his storytelling gigs, rap concerts and drama productions. Presley and Hunter grew up at the Fort in Fort Macleod where Carl spent many summers working as an interpreter and announcer for the North West Mounted Police Musical Rides. His children were also lovingly called “theatre rats” because of the time they spent exploring every nook and cranny at the Empress Theatre and the Cardston Community Theatre while their dad was either rehearsing or performing in various drama productions.
Carl was also the host of his own radio talk show called “Tukk Live” on Jess FM Radio Station in Lethbridge. He interviewed a variety of guests from politics to activists and performing artists.
Carl had a passion and love of higher learning. As a student at Red Crow Community College, he loved the courses and program designed by Dr. Betty Bastien. It was in this program where his level of Indigenous academic studies grew and his love for research and writing blossomed. Prior to that, he was a student at the University of Lethbridge and, needless to say, he was voted as President of the Indigenous Student Association.
Carl’s multi-talented nature would often bring the community together. He collaborated with his mother on many occasions with drama productions and concerts. Carl’s love of acting and theatre brought him to study at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in Toronto. Tukk also loved to perform with Jessie Black Water and Blood Rez Crew. He is also a recording artist with many of his Rap Music posted on his own Youtube channel.
Carl was always up for any kind of announcing “gig” he was hired for, including a rough stock rodeo in Pikaani and the Indian Horse Relay in Lethbridge. Although, he knew next to nothing about these types of events, he went for it anyway! He loved the fact that he was following in the footsteps of his late grandpa, Peter Big Head and his uncle, Floyd Big Head who are renowned auctioneers and rodeo and powwow announcers.
Carl was a gifted writer and storyteller. He was often invited to schools throughout Southern Alberta to share traditional Blackfoot stories with children. Of course, these stories were all told with his own twisted sense of humour. Carl also developed a love for traditional drumming and singing. He spent time learning his uncle Lester Low Horn’s sundance songs and loved to sing at sweatlodge ceremonies. In the past few summers, he took on the task of fire keeper at Mickey Smith’s Sundance in Pikaani and at the Bull Horn Coulee Sundance where his mother danced.
Carl was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Galena’s children: Teesh and Joseph Morigeau; Shawnee’s children: Everett and Acacia Soop; Sioux and Delilah Day Rider. And great niece: Renesme Soop (Acacia’s baby); Oshana and Jorge’s Children: Suzette, Ezra, Victoria and Samuel Christiansen; Jesse’s children: Celes Wild Gun, Galena, Julius, Emma Brave Rock; Hazen Wolf Plume; and Xander Iron Horn; Starly’s Children: Noella, Ka’ksimo; Letisha’s son: Lendrix; J Man’s Children: Neveah, Rita, and Jayce; Jimmy and Margie’s Children: Jagger and Che.
Carl’s only living grandpa Alex (Jack) Red Crow also had a huge impact in his life.
The family are deeply grateful for those who took time to pray, visit, sing, text, and be with Carl during his last few weeks, especially his dear friend Jodi Many Fingers.
Carl was deeply affected by the death of his younger sister, Galena, in 2006. It brings comfort to the family knowing that both he and his uncle, Dennis (Wells) Brave Rock have made their journey together into the Spirit World to be reunited with loved ones.
Carl will be welcomed into the Spirit World by his paternal grandparents, Florence (Wells) and Wilfrid Brave Rock; his maternal grandparents, Gloria (Scout) Red Crow and Peter Big Head. Also, his adopted grandmother, Rosaline Day Chief.
His paternal great-grandparents in Spirit World are Molly (Long Time Squirrel) and James Wells Sr.; Maggie (Little Skunk) and Ernest Brave Rock.
His maternal great-grandparents are Ivy (Spear Chief) and George Scout; Annie (Blood) and John Bare Shin Bone and Willie Big Head. Carl is also a descendent of Natohkyiaakii (Holy Bear Woman) who survived the 1870 Baker Massacre.
His maternal uncles and aunties are: Floyd (Maxine) Big Head; Leonard Big Head; Ivyanne Big Head; Yvonne (Don) Shouting; Emile Big Head; Bonnie Big Head; Jennifer (Terry) Ivins; Shawn Big Head and Peter Jr. (PJ) Big Head.
His paternal uncles and aunties are: Gino (Wells) Brave Rock; Dennis (Wells) Brave Rock; Wanda Hind Bull; Ernest James Brave Rock; Faron Brave Rock and Gary Brave Rock; John Heavy Runner;
His maternal great aunties and uncles are: Ruby (Joe) Eagle Plume; Sylvia (Dale) Low Horn; Roy and Christine Bare Shin Bone; Linda (Jim) Shot Both Sides; Lucille Bare Shin Bone; Jordan and Susan Bare Shin Bone; Johnny and Randy Bare Shin Bone; Gail and Randy Many Bears.
Beatrice and Gilbert Big Sorrel Horse; Julia Striped Wolf; Warner Scout; Oliver and Frankie Scout; Elizabeth Big Head; David Yellow Feet; Glen Yellow Feet; Irvin Yellow Feet; Iris (Randy) Knife; Wayne Yellow Feet; Gerald and Eric Cold Weather.
His paternal great aunties and uncles are: Theresa (Phillip) Mistaken Chief; Shirley (Hugh) Calf Robe; Jerry (Olive) Wells; Edwin-Smokey (Darlene) Wells; Jimmy (Julianna) Wells; Nina (Eric) Buckskin; Joan Little Shields; Anna Wells; Jordan Wells; Gordon and Yvonne Morning Bird; Shirley Mountain Horse; Bernadine Healy; Nap Black Rabbit; Bernard Shouting; and Esther First Rider
Ted (Annie) Brave Rock; Mervin (Louise) Brave Rock; Adeline (Bill) Singer; Alvine White Quills; Gloria Eagle Tailfeathers and Gladys Buckskin.
Carl will also be welcomed by his close relatives who’ve recently gone into the Spirit World: Gary Brave Rock, Jovian Big Head, Bonnie Big Head, Shawn Big Head, PJ Big Head, Candace Holy Singer, Amelia Willows, Sylvia Low Horn, Linda Shot Both Sides, Willie Singer IV, Elana Many Fingers, Brenda Day Chief, Juanita Eagle Plume, Darlene Eagle Plume, Courtney Eagle Plume, Shawn Big Sorrel Horse, Maggie Big Sorrel Horse, Shae Standing Alone, Gilbert Big Sorrel Horse, Dugan Weasel Moccasin, Kakaato’sakii Low Horn-Wadsworth, Patrick Bare Shin Bone, Bruce Bare Shin Bone, CJ Hind Bull, Tanis Brave Rock, Levi Brave Rock, Dale Marvin Brave Rock, Devon Blood, Cameron Blood, Marshelle Vielle, Stanley Ryan Tyson Brave Rock and Brandon Morigeau.
The family apologize for anyone we may have forgotten, but know they are special in our hearts.
A Wake service will be held at White Calf Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm (rotating of 50 people every 30 minutes). The Funeral service will follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, South Hill Chapel, 950 Main Street, Cardston on Wednesday, December 29 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve, AB.
Click to Send the Family a Condolence