A special event on Friday will honour the late Gordon Tootoosis, as the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company changes its name and logo.
Tootoosis was one of the founding board members of the Saskatoon based theatre company.
Artistic director Curtis Peeteetuce says there was more to Tootoosis than his movie career.
“Anybody who knows Gordon – and I’m thinking about half the world,” Peeteetuce said, pausing to laugh, “will know that he was a great, iconic man. He was so rooted in his culture, language and history. He was more than just a Hollywood actor. He was a humble community member who really advocated for Indigenous identity.”
Tootoosis passed away in July of 2011.
Peeteetuce said he remembers Tootoosis fondly: “the guy always had a way of making you feel like a family member or a best friend.”
The gala dinner will be held at the Dakota Dunes Casino and hosted by Andrea Menard. Peeteetuce said it will be a special event in many ways, with honour songs and a video tribute provided by the community.