Nora Red Crow-Stabs Down, Naatoiyiipi’ksaakii (Sacred Bird Woman), age 72, of the Blood Reserve, passed on May 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She belonged to the Aakaiksamaiksi /Many Tumor Clan. On her maternal side, she was a proud descendant of the 5th generation of Chief Red Crow (Mikaisto), and Iron (Miiksskim). From her earliest days into her young adult years, she was raised in the heart of Blackfoot sacred traditions. As the child of long-time Horn Society members and Thunder Pipe holders, her youth was shaped by her parents’ sacred roles. Reflecting this profound heritage, she was a co-owner of the Horse Thunder Medicine Pipe. While her life’s journey led her in a different direction, and she did not actively participate in the ceremonial way of life, she maintained a deep respect for our Nitsitapi traditions, teachings, and ceremonial ways throughout her life. Throughout the years, she supported and took pride in family members who carried on the traditions and cultural practices.
Life brought its trials, but Nora met them with quiet bravery. She shared twelve years of building a family with the father of her children, Ralph Weasel Fat, before his untimely passing. Left to navigate life as a young widow, her dedication to her children never wavered. Demonstrating her characteristic hard work, she bravely chose to return to school at Red Crow Community College later in life to study library science at SAIT in Calgary. She successfully achieved her goals and went on to work at Red Crow Community College, spending twenty dedicated years as a librarian, sharing the love of her books while quietly serving her community, supporting students, staff and community members who walked through the doors. Nora retired from her career in 2023.
She was a deeply cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who dedicated her life entirely to her home and the people she loved. Nora was a quiet, gentle soul who channeled her generational strength into her family. A true homebody who found her greatest peace within her home. She focused her whole heart on her domestic life, creating a warm haven for her family. She was an exceptional cook, who loved hosting family dinners and gatherings, bringing family together through food, conversation, and laughter. She was an avid reader and had a lifelong passion for books. Her treasured book collection will be preserved as a family library for family and future generations to enjoy. Whether it was a planned vacation, a road trip, or simply time spent exploring together, she valued the memories made and the time shared with loved ones. While she enjoyed seeing new places, her most treasured memories were always anchored in her childhood growing up at Old Agency. Above all, she was fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren - instilling in them a deep sense of hard work and perseverance. While she shared special close bonds with some, every one of her grandchildren held a cherished place in her heart and brought her great joy.
Nora is survived by her children: Pam, Bonnie, Lorraine, Freddy and Norman (Nikita). Her love, teachings and legacy live on through her fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her pride and joy. She is also survived by her loving sisters: Isabelle Healy, Leona, Evelyn, Myrna and Lena (Newton) Bull Shields; one brother Harrison (Billy); her longtime friend Verdun Morning Owl (Hind Bull), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives from her extended family.
Nora was predeceased by her late husband of 12 years, Ralph Weasel Fat; a special friend Bryce Vaile; her parents Fred and Agnes Stabs Down; brothers Roy, and Wallace (Melvin); her sisters, Irene Red Crow, Sara Scout, and Angela Singer; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Jamie Red Crow, Susan, Zoe, Peyton Stabs Down, Terrance Tailfeathers, Eldon Singer, and two son in-laws Kevin Scout and Chris Healy.
Nora- Natoiyiipi'ksaakii leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, quiet strength, resilience, and devotion to her family. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her presence brought comfort, her guidance brought strength, and her love created a foundation that will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Her family is heartbroken by her passing and will deeply miss her warmth, her gentle spirit, her stories, and the countless memories she helped create throughout her life. While it is difficult to say goodbye, we find comfort knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is now at peace. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her love, teachings, and memory will remain in our hearts forever.
Until we meet again, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, and Friend, your journey continues, and your spirit will never be forgotten.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time.
A wake service will be at Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Friday June 5, 2026 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. The Funeral service will also be held at Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Stabs Down Cemetery.
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Life brought its trials, but Nora met them with quiet bravery. She shared twelve years of building a family with the father of her children, Ralph Weasel Fat, before his untimely passing. Left to navigate life as a young widow, her dedication to her children never wavered. Demonstrating her characteristic hard work, she bravely chose to return to school at Red Crow Community College later in life to study library science at SAIT in Calgary. She successfully achieved her goals and went on to work at Red Crow Community College, spending twenty dedicated years as a librarian, sharing the love of her books while quietly serving her community, supporting students, staff and community members who walked through the doors. Nora retired from her career in 2023.
She was a deeply cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who dedicated her life entirely to her home and the people she loved. Nora was a quiet, gentle soul who channeled her generational strength into her family. A true homebody who found her greatest peace within her home. She focused her whole heart on her domestic life, creating a warm haven for her family. She was an exceptional cook, who loved hosting family dinners and gatherings, bringing family together through food, conversation, and laughter. She was an avid reader and had a lifelong passion for books. Her treasured book collection will be preserved as a family library for family and future generations to enjoy. Whether it was a planned vacation, a road trip, or simply time spent exploring together, she valued the memories made and the time shared with loved ones. While she enjoyed seeing new places, her most treasured memories were always anchored in her childhood growing up at Old Agency. Above all, she was fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren - instilling in them a deep sense of hard work and perseverance. While she shared special close bonds with some, every one of her grandchildren held a cherished place in her heart and brought her great joy.
Nora is survived by her children: Pam, Bonnie, Lorraine, Freddy and Norman (Nikita). Her love, teachings and legacy live on through her fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her pride and joy. She is also survived by her loving sisters: Isabelle Healy, Leona, Evelyn, Myrna and Lena (Newton) Bull Shields; one brother Harrison (Billy); her longtime friend Verdun Morning Owl (Hind Bull), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives from her extended family.
Nora was predeceased by her late husband of 12 years, Ralph Weasel Fat; a special friend Bryce Vaile; her parents Fred and Agnes Stabs Down; brothers Roy, and Wallace (Melvin); her sisters, Irene Red Crow, Sara Scout, and Angela Singer; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Jamie Red Crow, Susan, Zoe, Peyton Stabs Down, Terrance Tailfeathers, Eldon Singer, and two son in-laws Kevin Scout and Chris Healy.
Nora- Natoiyiipi'ksaakii leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, quiet strength, resilience, and devotion to her family. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her presence brought comfort, her guidance brought strength, and her love created a foundation that will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Her family is heartbroken by her passing and will deeply miss her warmth, her gentle spirit, her stories, and the countless memories she helped create throughout her life. While it is difficult to say goodbye, we find comfort knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is now at peace. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her love, teachings, and memory will remain in our hearts forever.
Until we meet again, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, and Friend, your journey continues, and your spirit will never be forgotten.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time.
A wake service will be at Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Friday June 5, 2026 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. The Funeral service will also be held at Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Stabs Down Cemetery.
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