Makoyii’pooka (Bruce Wolf Child)
Makoyii'pooka was born on March 11, 1945, at the Blood Indian Hospital to his father Makoyii'pooka - Albert Wolf Child Sr., who belonged to the Issoitapi (Riverside clan) and the Issksiinaisimii (Bug Drinker Clan), and his mother Sisiinaakii – Cecille Panther Bone, who belonged to the Niippokskoo (Thirty Tree Clan).
Throughout his lifetime, Makoyii'pooka held four sacred Blackfoot names: Ksisskstakii Kitstakii (Beaver offering) given by his grandfather before birth and held until his teenage years, Sikaimmoniisi (Black Otter) received when he began singing, Iitomomahka (Lead Runner) given when he joined the society and originally his grandfather's name, and Makoyii'pooka, his great-great grandfather's name, which he received the rights to use after transferring Iitomomaahkaa to his cousin.
Makoyii'pooka was initially raised by his maternal great-grandmother Iikinaipiim (Enters quietly) until age four. Following her passing, he lived with his grandparents Sipiisipisttohkomii (Night Owl Caller)/A'sippiikaa (Panther) and Pokaakii (Small lady) until age twelve. He attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic School in 1953, where he studied for eight years.
In his teenage years, Makoyii'pooka left home to work and support his family, taking positions at various ranches including McIntyre Ranch, George Dudley Ranch, Jack Purnell, and Johanssen's. As a skilled tradesman, he worked as a carpenter and construction worker, serving as foreman on significant projects such as the Cardston Remington Museum, Royal Bank, TD Bank, and the restoration of the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park.
His diverse skill set encompassed carpentry, plumbing, farming, and cooking. Throughout his career, he worked with numerous organizations including Banff National Park, Waterton National Park, Blood Tribe Police Service, Kainai Children Services, Red Crow College (Elder advisor for 39 years), University of Lethbridge, Blood Tribe Agricultural Project, Kainai Resources Inc., Heritage Park, Glenbow Museum, Blood Tribe Tribal Government, Kainai Peacemakers, Urban Peacemakers, Lethbridge School District, St. Paul's Treatment Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital and The Fort Museum. He also served as an elder advisor for numerous tribes.
Makoyii'pooka found deep fulfillment in sharing his traditional knowledge and teachings throughout Siksikaitsitapi territory and beyond. His love for travel enabled him to spread his wisdom globally, dedicating his life to preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge to future generations. He considered it a great honor to be selected to give Blackfoot names and transfer rights to so many people.
Born as fifth-generation championship singer, Makoyii'pooka was destined for greatness in the pow-wow circle. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, he honored their legacy by continuing to travel and compete with his brothers as the Big Corner Post Singers, claiming victories at pow-wows across pow-wow country. Today, only Stan Hairy Bull, Randolph Hairy Bull, and John Wolf Child remain from that legendary group. During his time on the pow-wow circuit, he had the privilege of singing alongside legendary singers including Billy Baker, Lloyd TopSky, and Warren Bear Cloud, among others. Competitions brought recognition, however, Makoyii’pooka’s greatest honor was serving over 30 years as a singer for the Horn Society for the Blood Tribe and Siksika Nation.
As a father, Makoyii'pooka instilled in all his children and adopted children the fundamental teachings of "Our Way of Life", understanding their identity and roots. He emphasized that smudging, kindness, and prayer were all they needed to live well. His home was a constant gathering place where friends of his children were always welcome, and he ensured everyone was fed and cared for.
A devoted family man, Makoyii'pooka went all out for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. He brought his family on trips and enjoyed spoiling his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The house was never quiet when he was around - he thrived on the sound of laughter and loved having a full house. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, and he made certain each one knew how deeply they were cherished.
Whether gardening, taking walks, or going for drives with the kids, Makoyii'pooka was always present. He never missed his family's accomplishments or activities, faithfully attending hockey, basketball, and baseball games, as well as pow-wows to support his grandchildren. Him and mom proudly coached the Moses Lake Mustang's hockey team. A natural athlete himself, Makoyii'pooka excelled at boxing, hockey, baseball, football, basketball, and was known as quite the pool shark. His competitive spirit and love of sports carried through generations of his family.
Dad met the love of his life, his queen, his world Anne-Marie 56 years ago. Together they were inseparable, making quite the duo as they followed their traditional way of life. They joined the Kaanaksimitaaksi and Iikskinaiksi, and faithfully attended Siksika akokatsin every year, with deep gratitude to the Herman Yellow Old Woman family, Weasel Child family, Big Snake family, and all the families who welcomed and cared for them during their travels. Mom and Dad participated in many tipi and headdress transfers together—wherever Dad was, Mom was always beside him. Dad took immense pride in spoiling his queen with presents, surprises, and intimate getaways for dinner together. She was truly the love of his life, and he ensured she was always well cared for. While Dad loved cooking for everyone at barbecues, he especially cherished preparing breakfast and dinner for Mom.
Throughout his life, Dad was blessed with many adopted children, grandchildren, and families spanning from Arizona, Crow, Siksika, Mandaree, North Dakota, Minnesota, Switzerland and beyond. He treasured attending pow-wows and events, feeling deeply loved by the countless people who would greet and care for him wherever he went. One of his favorite sayings captured this perfectly: "Everyone here are my children and grandchildren."
Dad was humble and didn't boast about much, but the one thing he proudly shared was how beloved he was by so many. No matter where his travels took him, he was welcomed, cared for, and fed—a testament to the love and respect he had earned throughout his remarkable life.
Makoyii’pooka was survived by Issipaakiyi – Anne- Marie Wolf Child, Children: Leanne Wolf Child, Nada Wolf Child, Stephanie Wolf Child, Everette Eagle Plume, Corine Eagle Plume, Clo-Ann (Stan) Wells, Stephanie (Eric Sr.) Pelkey, Monte (Tia) Wolf Child, Lacey Eagle Plume, Mason Wolf Child, Jade Wolf Child, and Sky-lee (R.J.) Wolf Child. Dad has left his legacy with his 22 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Predeceased by daughters: Angie Eagle Plume – Wolf Child and Lori Eagle Plume; Sons: Dexter Eagle Plume and Ross Eagle Plume; brothers: Albert Wolf Child Jr., Frank Wolf Child, and Mark Wolf Child; sisters: Elizabeth Hunt, Albertine Wolf Child and Rita Many Shots; parents: Albert Wolf Child Sr. and Cecille Panther Bone; Mother in-law: Kitty Wadsworth; and Father in-law: Stephen Wadsworth Sr, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Wilton Good Striker, Jordan Bruised Head, Pablo Russell, Clo-Ann and Lynzee Wells, Lori and Jamie Striped Wolf, Leslie and Shelayne Wolf Child, Phillip Wolf Child, Patrick and Delia Twigg, Shilow Heavy Shields, John Tallow, Nadine and Garret Tail Feathers, Brynn Singer, Megan, Maynard and Gwen Kicking Woman, Faye Crop Eared Wolf, Maria Russell, Jim Bennett, Myles Eagle Plume, Homer Young Pine, Alexandria Twigg, Duane and Wilma Crow Chief, Verda and Marcel Weasel Head, Jeremy Oka, Willow Big Sorrel Horse, Gwen Heavy Runner, Red Crow College, Blood Tribe Medical Transportation, Chinook Regional Hospital Indigenous Liaisons, Mariam Chief Moon, Karen Chief Moon, and Cheila Chief Moon for their kindness and unwavering support during dad’s health challenges - Your care and compassion meant the world to our family.
The family would also like to thank the following for the support during this difficult time: Blood Tribe Chief and Council, Red Crow College, Blood Tribe Land Management, Blood Tribe Tribal Government, Blood Tribe Peacemakers, Blood Tribe Housing, Blood Tribe Social Development, Calgary Heritage Park, University of Lethbridge, Blood Tribe Public Works, Blood Tribe Police Services, Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training, Kelly Thunder Chief, Kelly Young Pine, Shane and Sherry Little Bear, Ben Walters, Ellen, Lori Brave Rock, Dakota Wadsworth, Sherri Wadsworth, Kiinak’siimaatksi, Iikskinaiksi, and Mohtohk’kiiksi. The Family apologizes for any names missed and greatly appreciates all the prayers and support.
The Wake Service will be held at the Bruce Wolf Child residence on Friday, May 30 from 6 P.M. - 11 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31 at the University of Lethbridge in the Science Commons Building starting at 12 P.M. Interment to follow at St. Paul's cemetery, Blood Reserve. The feast will take place at Bruce Wolf Child’s residence. *Asking all headdress owners to wear your headdress to the service.
Throughout his lifetime, Makoyii'pooka held four sacred Blackfoot names: Ksisskstakii Kitstakii (Beaver offering) given by his grandfather before birth and held until his teenage years, Sikaimmoniisi (Black Otter) received when he began singing, Iitomomahka (Lead Runner) given when he joined the society and originally his grandfather's name, and Makoyii'pooka, his great-great grandfather's name, which he received the rights to use after transferring Iitomomaahkaa to his cousin.
Makoyii'pooka was initially raised by his maternal great-grandmother Iikinaipiim (Enters quietly) until age four. Following her passing, he lived with his grandparents Sipiisipisttohkomii (Night Owl Caller)/A'sippiikaa (Panther) and Pokaakii (Small lady) until age twelve. He attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic School in 1953, where he studied for eight years.
In his teenage years, Makoyii'pooka left home to work and support his family, taking positions at various ranches including McIntyre Ranch, George Dudley Ranch, Jack Purnell, and Johanssen's. As a skilled tradesman, he worked as a carpenter and construction worker, serving as foreman on significant projects such as the Cardston Remington Museum, Royal Bank, TD Bank, and the restoration of the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park.
His diverse skill set encompassed carpentry, plumbing, farming, and cooking. Throughout his career, he worked with numerous organizations including Banff National Park, Waterton National Park, Blood Tribe Police Service, Kainai Children Services, Red Crow College (Elder advisor for 39 years), University of Lethbridge, Blood Tribe Agricultural Project, Kainai Resources Inc., Heritage Park, Glenbow Museum, Blood Tribe Tribal Government, Kainai Peacemakers, Urban Peacemakers, Lethbridge School District, St. Paul's Treatment Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital and The Fort Museum. He also served as an elder advisor for numerous tribes.
Makoyii'pooka found deep fulfillment in sharing his traditional knowledge and teachings throughout Siksikaitsitapi territory and beyond. His love for travel enabled him to spread his wisdom globally, dedicating his life to preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge to future generations. He considered it a great honor to be selected to give Blackfoot names and transfer rights to so many people.
Born as fifth-generation championship singer, Makoyii'pooka was destined for greatness in the pow-wow circle. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, he honored their legacy by continuing to travel and compete with his brothers as the Big Corner Post Singers, claiming victories at pow-wows across pow-wow country. Today, only Stan Hairy Bull, Randolph Hairy Bull, and John Wolf Child remain from that legendary group. During his time on the pow-wow circuit, he had the privilege of singing alongside legendary singers including Billy Baker, Lloyd TopSky, and Warren Bear Cloud, among others. Competitions brought recognition, however, Makoyii’pooka’s greatest honor was serving over 30 years as a singer for the Horn Society for the Blood Tribe and Siksika Nation.
As a father, Makoyii'pooka instilled in all his children and adopted children the fundamental teachings of "Our Way of Life", understanding their identity and roots. He emphasized that smudging, kindness, and prayer were all they needed to live well. His home was a constant gathering place where friends of his children were always welcome, and he ensured everyone was fed and cared for.
A devoted family man, Makoyii'pooka went all out for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. He brought his family on trips and enjoyed spoiling his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The house was never quiet when he was around - he thrived on the sound of laughter and loved having a full house. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, and he made certain each one knew how deeply they were cherished.
Whether gardening, taking walks, or going for drives with the kids, Makoyii'pooka was always present. He never missed his family's accomplishments or activities, faithfully attending hockey, basketball, and baseball games, as well as pow-wows to support his grandchildren. Him and mom proudly coached the Moses Lake Mustang's hockey team. A natural athlete himself, Makoyii'pooka excelled at boxing, hockey, baseball, football, basketball, and was known as quite the pool shark. His competitive spirit and love of sports carried through generations of his family.
Dad met the love of his life, his queen, his world Anne-Marie 56 years ago. Together they were inseparable, making quite the duo as they followed their traditional way of life. They joined the Kaanaksimitaaksi and Iikskinaiksi, and faithfully attended Siksika akokatsin every year, with deep gratitude to the Herman Yellow Old Woman family, Weasel Child family, Big Snake family, and all the families who welcomed and cared for them during their travels. Mom and Dad participated in many tipi and headdress transfers together—wherever Dad was, Mom was always beside him. Dad took immense pride in spoiling his queen with presents, surprises, and intimate getaways for dinner together. She was truly the love of his life, and he ensured she was always well cared for. While Dad loved cooking for everyone at barbecues, he especially cherished preparing breakfast and dinner for Mom.
Throughout his life, Dad was blessed with many adopted children, grandchildren, and families spanning from Arizona, Crow, Siksika, Mandaree, North Dakota, Minnesota, Switzerland and beyond. He treasured attending pow-wows and events, feeling deeply loved by the countless people who would greet and care for him wherever he went. One of his favorite sayings captured this perfectly: "Everyone here are my children and grandchildren."
Dad was humble and didn't boast about much, but the one thing he proudly shared was how beloved he was by so many. No matter where his travels took him, he was welcomed, cared for, and fed—a testament to the love and respect he had earned throughout his remarkable life.
Makoyii’pooka was survived by Issipaakiyi – Anne- Marie Wolf Child, Children: Leanne Wolf Child, Nada Wolf Child, Stephanie Wolf Child, Everette Eagle Plume, Corine Eagle Plume, Clo-Ann (Stan) Wells, Stephanie (Eric Sr.) Pelkey, Monte (Tia) Wolf Child, Lacey Eagle Plume, Mason Wolf Child, Jade Wolf Child, and Sky-lee (R.J.) Wolf Child. Dad has left his legacy with his 22 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Predeceased by daughters: Angie Eagle Plume – Wolf Child and Lori Eagle Plume; Sons: Dexter Eagle Plume and Ross Eagle Plume; brothers: Albert Wolf Child Jr., Frank Wolf Child, and Mark Wolf Child; sisters: Elizabeth Hunt, Albertine Wolf Child and Rita Many Shots; parents: Albert Wolf Child Sr. and Cecille Panther Bone; Mother in-law: Kitty Wadsworth; and Father in-law: Stephen Wadsworth Sr, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Wilton Good Striker, Jordan Bruised Head, Pablo Russell, Clo-Ann and Lynzee Wells, Lori and Jamie Striped Wolf, Leslie and Shelayne Wolf Child, Phillip Wolf Child, Patrick and Delia Twigg, Shilow Heavy Shields, John Tallow, Nadine and Garret Tail Feathers, Brynn Singer, Megan, Maynard and Gwen Kicking Woman, Faye Crop Eared Wolf, Maria Russell, Jim Bennett, Myles Eagle Plume, Homer Young Pine, Alexandria Twigg, Duane and Wilma Crow Chief, Verda and Marcel Weasel Head, Jeremy Oka, Willow Big Sorrel Horse, Gwen Heavy Runner, Red Crow College, Blood Tribe Medical Transportation, Chinook Regional Hospital Indigenous Liaisons, Mariam Chief Moon, Karen Chief Moon, and Cheila Chief Moon for their kindness and unwavering support during dad’s health challenges - Your care and compassion meant the world to our family.
The family would also like to thank the following for the support during this difficult time: Blood Tribe Chief and Council, Red Crow College, Blood Tribe Land Management, Blood Tribe Tribal Government, Blood Tribe Peacemakers, Blood Tribe Housing, Blood Tribe Social Development, Calgary Heritage Park, University of Lethbridge, Blood Tribe Public Works, Blood Tribe Police Services, Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training, Kelly Thunder Chief, Kelly Young Pine, Shane and Sherry Little Bear, Ben Walters, Ellen, Lori Brave Rock, Dakota Wadsworth, Sherri Wadsworth, Kiinak’siimaatksi, Iikskinaiksi, and Mohtohk’kiiksi. The Family apologizes for any names missed and greatly appreciates all the prayers and support.
The Wake Service will be held at the Bruce Wolf Child residence on Friday, May 30 from 6 P.M. - 11 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31 at the University of Lethbridge in the Science Commons Building starting at 12 P.M. Interment to follow at St. Paul's cemetery, Blood Reserve. The feast will take place at Bruce Wolf Child’s residence. *Asking all headdress owners to wear your headdress to the service.