Renowned Aboriginal Actor Dies

Renowned Aboriginal Actor Dies

Wednesday, July 06, 2011 at 14:03

A Cree actor and activist from the Poundmaker Cree Nation has passed away.

Gordon Tootoosis was well-known for his role on CBC’s television series “North of 60”, but had numerous other TV and film credits, including the 1996 movie “Legends of the Fall” starring Brad Pitt.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo calls Tootoosis a “Cree and Canadian cultural icon”

Atleo notes the proud Cree elder and devoted family man still lived in his home community of Poundmaker at the time of his death.

Tootoosis was awarded the Order of Canada in 2004, and served as a founding member of the board of directors of the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company.

He recently returned to the SNTC in the capacity of board co-chair.