Peter Big Head Jr.
Po’taina (Flying Chief)
September 10th, 1979 – July 5th, 2020
PJ was born on September 10th, 1979 in Lethbridge, AB. He was the youngest child of Elizabeth and Peter Big Head Sr. PJ passed away in Lethbridge, AB., on Sunday, July 5th, 2020, at the age of 40 years. PJ grew up in Standoff, Alberta and is a member of the Kainai Nation.
PJ’s Blackfoot name Po’taina (Flying Chief) was transferred by the late Marian McDonald and Edwin Calf Robe. PJ was given the name Po’taina when, as a baby, he flew to British Columbia the first time. PJ’s father, Peter Sr. (Maistaakatsi) was a member of the Sacred Horn Society and he taught PJ and all his children sacred Kainai values.
PJ was very active in his home community on the Blood Reserve. His dad, Peter Sr., played the guitar and he would sing gospel songs with PJ and his brother, Shawn Big Head, and also his cousin, Kenny Mills. They recorded a gospel album entitled “Born Again”. And, Peter Sr. and the three young boys would sing at many Full Gospel services throughout Southern Alberta.
PJ and Shawn were also casted in a movie about Indian Residential School on the Blood Reserve entitled: “Where the Spirit Lives”
As a child, PJ was active in rodeo and he also played defense in minor hockey. He always enjoyed the teasing that came with being an avid Edmonton Oilers fan while living in this region. He was active in many sports throughout school such as football and he especially enjoyed shooting hoops with his friends.
PJ had many older siblings who always enjoyed visiting with him and spoiling him because he was such a cute baby who remained caring and friendly throughout his life.
PJ was kind-hearted, quiet, gentle, and a very intelligent person. He was always willing to share and to help those around him. He loved his family and was always responsible whenever he was needed. He was kind and loving to animals, especially his dog and cat.
As a young man, PJ dreamed of going into the Air Force one day. As an adult, he became a trained Forest Fire Fighter, which he enjoyed working at for nine years.
PJ was living in Standoff and was known as the protector of his mom and always took care of her; even doing most of the cooking and cleaning whenever needed. When they moved into their new home in Standoff, a few years ago, PJ moved all the boxes and items, and did whatever his mom asked of him.
He always loved it when his children came to visit him; sometimes for months at a time. He readily stepped in to care for them and the household. He was always a very hard worker and he treasured all the pictures from his children. PJ also loved listening to rap and rock music and enjoyed watching movies.
After high school, PJ studied Pre-Management at the University of Lethbridge. In 2008, PJ trained in Texas through the Morgan Group and the Blood Tribe Employment Service Centre. PJ completed the Blood Tribe Employment Service Centre and Integrated Services Delivery program. PJ’s vast work experience has included Maverick Concrete, DR Constructors and Associates, Temple City Housing, Floyd Big Head Electrical and Tim Horton’s Restaurants. He always enjoyed working with all of his co-workers and supervisors.
A special trait that will be dearly missed by all who loved him will be his infectious deep laugh.
Peter Jr. is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Big Head and his brother Shawn Big Head; his children, Selena (Kyson Day Chief) Young Pine, Peter Matt Big Head III, Jared Theodore Big Head, Nicholas Cole Big Head and Lucas Geoffrey Big Head; his grandson, Kody Liam Day Chief; and his special friend: Denise Young Pine.
He is also survived by his older siblings on his father’s side: Floyd (Maxine) Big Head, Leonard Big Head, Ivy-Annie Big Head, Ramona Big Head, Yvonne (Don Shouting) Gros Ventre Boy, Emile (Noreen) Big Head, Bonnie Big Head, and Jennifer (Terry) Ivins; his older siblings on his mother’s side: Donna Beebe, Warren Beebe, Pamela (Tito) Beebe, Gordon Beebe, Eleanor Beebe and Wayna (Buford Plaited Hair) Beebe.
Peter Jr. is also survived by his maternal uncles: Glen (Bernice) Yellowfeet, Oliver (Frankie) Scout, Jack Red Crow; his paternal aunts and uncles: Dale Low Horn, Roy (Christine) Bare Shin Bone, Linda (Jim) Shot Both Sides, Lucille Bare Shin Bone, Jordan (Susan) Bare Shin Bone, Johnny Bare Shin Bone, Randy Bare Shin Bone, Gail (Randy) Many Bears, Roy (Delores) Big Head; his close cousins: Candace Holy Singer, Chad Bare Shin Bone, Bobbi Rose Chief Moon and Ethel Low Horn and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peter Jr. was predeceased by his father, Peter Big Head Sr., his maternal grandparents: Rose Yellowfeet and George Scout; his paternal grandparents: Annie (John) Bare Shin Bone and Willie Big Head; his paternal aunts and uncles: Ruby Eagle Plume, Sylvia Low Horn, Vernon Bare Shin Bone, Malina Bare Shin Bone; Francis Bare Shin Bone; Yvonne Big Head; his maternal aunts and uncles: Juliana Welles, David Yellowfeet, Iris Knife, Irvin Yellowfeet, Wayne Yellowfeet, Beatrice Big Sorrel Horse, Julia Striped Wolf, Gloria Red Crow, Warner Scout, Gerald and Eric Cold Weather. Peter Jr. is also a direct descendent of Natohkyiaakii (Holy Bear Woman) who survived the 1870 Baker Massacre.
A candle light vigil will be held on Wednesday, July 8th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in Standoff, AB. A Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, July 9th, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A Viewing will be held on Friday, July 10th from 9:30 - 11:00 with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am.
Condolences may be sent by CLICKING HERE.
Po’taina (Flying Chief)
September 10th, 1979 – July 5th, 2020
PJ was born on September 10th, 1979 in Lethbridge, AB. He was the youngest child of Elizabeth and Peter Big Head Sr. PJ passed away in Lethbridge, AB., on Sunday, July 5th, 2020, at the age of 40 years. PJ grew up in Standoff, Alberta and is a member of the Kainai Nation.
PJ’s Blackfoot name Po’taina (Flying Chief) was transferred by the late Marian McDonald and Edwin Calf Robe. PJ was given the name Po’taina when, as a baby, he flew to British Columbia the first time. PJ’s father, Peter Sr. (Maistaakatsi) was a member of the Sacred Horn Society and he taught PJ and all his children sacred Kainai values.
PJ was very active in his home community on the Blood Reserve. His dad, Peter Sr., played the guitar and he would sing gospel songs with PJ and his brother, Shawn Big Head, and also his cousin, Kenny Mills. They recorded a gospel album entitled “Born Again”. And, Peter Sr. and the three young boys would sing at many Full Gospel services throughout Southern Alberta.
PJ and Shawn were also casted in a movie about Indian Residential School on the Blood Reserve entitled: “Where the Spirit Lives”
As a child, PJ was active in rodeo and he also played defense in minor hockey. He always enjoyed the teasing that came with being an avid Edmonton Oilers fan while living in this region. He was active in many sports throughout school such as football and he especially enjoyed shooting hoops with his friends.
PJ had many older siblings who always enjoyed visiting with him and spoiling him because he was such a cute baby who remained caring and friendly throughout his life.
PJ was kind-hearted, quiet, gentle, and a very intelligent person. He was always willing to share and to help those around him. He loved his family and was always responsible whenever he was needed. He was kind and loving to animals, especially his dog and cat.
As a young man, PJ dreamed of going into the Air Force one day. As an adult, he became a trained Forest Fire Fighter, which he enjoyed working at for nine years.
PJ was living in Standoff and was known as the protector of his mom and always took care of her; even doing most of the cooking and cleaning whenever needed. When they moved into their new home in Standoff, a few years ago, PJ moved all the boxes and items, and did whatever his mom asked of him.
He always loved it when his children came to visit him; sometimes for months at a time. He readily stepped in to care for them and the household. He was always a very hard worker and he treasured all the pictures from his children. PJ also loved listening to rap and rock music and enjoyed watching movies.
After high school, PJ studied Pre-Management at the University of Lethbridge. In 2008, PJ trained in Texas through the Morgan Group and the Blood Tribe Employment Service Centre. PJ completed the Blood Tribe Employment Service Centre and Integrated Services Delivery program. PJ’s vast work experience has included Maverick Concrete, DR Constructors and Associates, Temple City Housing, Floyd Big Head Electrical and Tim Horton’s Restaurants. He always enjoyed working with all of his co-workers and supervisors.
A special trait that will be dearly missed by all who loved him will be his infectious deep laugh.
Peter Jr. is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Big Head and his brother Shawn Big Head; his children, Selena (Kyson Day Chief) Young Pine, Peter Matt Big Head III, Jared Theodore Big Head, Nicholas Cole Big Head and Lucas Geoffrey Big Head; his grandson, Kody Liam Day Chief; and his special friend: Denise Young Pine.
He is also survived by his older siblings on his father’s side: Floyd (Maxine) Big Head, Leonard Big Head, Ivy-Annie Big Head, Ramona Big Head, Yvonne (Don Shouting) Gros Ventre Boy, Emile (Noreen) Big Head, Bonnie Big Head, and Jennifer (Terry) Ivins; his older siblings on his mother’s side: Donna Beebe, Warren Beebe, Pamela (Tito) Beebe, Gordon Beebe, Eleanor Beebe and Wayna (Buford Plaited Hair) Beebe.
Peter Jr. is also survived by his maternal uncles: Glen (Bernice) Yellowfeet, Oliver (Frankie) Scout, Jack Red Crow; his paternal aunts and uncles: Dale Low Horn, Roy (Christine) Bare Shin Bone, Linda (Jim) Shot Both Sides, Lucille Bare Shin Bone, Jordan (Susan) Bare Shin Bone, Johnny Bare Shin Bone, Randy Bare Shin Bone, Gail (Randy) Many Bears, Roy (Delores) Big Head; his close cousins: Candace Holy Singer, Chad Bare Shin Bone, Bobbi Rose Chief Moon and Ethel Low Horn and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peter Jr. was predeceased by his father, Peter Big Head Sr., his maternal grandparents: Rose Yellowfeet and George Scout; his paternal grandparents: Annie (John) Bare Shin Bone and Willie Big Head; his paternal aunts and uncles: Ruby Eagle Plume, Sylvia Low Horn, Vernon Bare Shin Bone, Malina Bare Shin Bone; Francis Bare Shin Bone; Yvonne Big Head; his maternal aunts and uncles: Juliana Welles, David Yellowfeet, Iris Knife, Irvin Yellowfeet, Wayne Yellowfeet, Beatrice Big Sorrel Horse, Julia Striped Wolf, Gloria Red Crow, Warner Scout, Gerald and Eric Cold Weather. Peter Jr. is also a direct descendent of Natohkyiaakii (Holy Bear Woman) who survived the 1870 Baker Massacre.
A candle light vigil will be held on Wednesday, July 8th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in Standoff, AB. A Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, July 9th, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A Viewing will be held on Friday, July 10th from 9:30 - 11:00 with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am.
Condolences may be sent by CLICKING HERE.