Gordon Tootoosis

Gordon Tootoosis (1941 – 2011) was born on Saskatchewan’s Poundmaker Reserve and raised with a strong Cree belief system and knowledge of the Cree language, art, and worldview. At an early age, he became a cowboy and champion Calf and Team Roper. He was also an accomplished native dancer who toured with the Plains Intertribal Dance Troupe in the 60s and 70s across Canada, Europe, and South America. As an adult, Tootoosis became a champion of native rights and even acted as a band chief. He also pursued his numerous talents as an artist — learning painting, sculpture, and drama.

In 1972, Tootoosis got his first big break as an actor when he landed the role of Almighty Voice in the movie Alien Thunder which co-starred Donald Sutherland. A veteran of over 40 films, Tootoosis appeared with such stars as Ben Affleck and Charlize Theron in Reindeer Games (2000) and joined an all-star cast in Legends of the Fall (1994) with such actors as Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. He also acted in Alaska (1996) with Charlton Heston, Lone Star (1996), Pocahontas: The Legend (1995), Black Robe (1996), and Leaving Normal (1992) with Meg Tilly and Christine Lahti. Tootoosis also performed in the television series Due South, Lonesome Dove, and Hawkeye as well as spending five seasons on the hit show North of 60 as a series regular. Gordon Tootoosis received the Eagle Spirit award at the American Indian Motion Picture awards in 2001.

Gordon Tootoosis, a member of the Cree tribe, lived with his wife of over 40 years, on the Poundmaker Reserve. He died on July 5, 2011, aged 69, and is buried on the Poundmaker Cree Nation Reserve.

Mr. Tootoosis provided the voice of Thomas Yellowtail for the World Wisdom DVD Native Spirit: The Sun Dance Way.