Obituary of John Snow

The children and grandchildren want to express their extreme grief in the passing of their beloved father and grandfather, Reverend Doctor Chief John Snow. Intebeja Mani, Walking Seal went to the final camp of his people, passing peacefully at his home on Thursday June 15, 2006. Born and raised into the loving traditional family of Tom and Cora Snow, on the Stoney Indian reserve, John Snow attended residential school overcoming many obstacles and pursued a higher education. He became the first ordained minister of the united Church of Canada from the Stoney – Nakoda people. Encouraged by the elders of his tribe, he was elected Chief of the Goodstoney/Wesley Band from 1968-1992, and again from 1996-2000. In 1969, Snow and several Alberta Chiefs presented the Red Paper to the Trudeau government which became the force that led to change for Indian people in Canada. Snow continued to be an advocate for Indian people, lobbying for and receiving an audience with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1976. In 1977, during the re-enactment on Treaty 7, Snow presented Prince Charles with his book “These Mountains are Our Sacred Places”, a history of the Stoney people. This book was reprinted as a Western Canadian Classic to commemorate the Alberta Centennial in 2005, by Fifth House Publishers. In 1981, he received an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Calgary. In 1986, he received a second honorary doctorate degree, a doctorate of divinity from Cook Collage and Theological School (Arizona). He was also the recipient of numerous awards, certificates and recognition including a lifetime achievement award from the Treaty 6 Tribal Chiefs Institute. Throughout his life, he remained a pro-active, dedicated, and committed spokesperson, statesman, ambassador, author and spiritual leader for the First nation people of Turtle Island. He will be forever remembered as a great and gentle leader, visionary and sage elder, and most of all, a humble servant to his people. His vision to secure the rightful place of his people in Canadian history will continue through his children: John Jr., Rachel, Terry (Peter), Tony, Gloria, William, Teresa, and through his grandchildren, Chrissy, Eli, Mika, Kyle, Shenoa (Hennagoos), Arizona, Amber, Sienna, Emily and adopted grandson Maheegan Roper. He also leaves behind his older brother, Wallace Snow; and sister, Glenda Crawler who provided guidance, love and understanding throughout his life, as well as other brothers and sisters and extended family members. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Alva and will be interred at the Wesley Cemetery next to his father, former Chief Tom Snow. Wake Services will be held at the residence of the late John Snow (Morley, AB) on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, 2006. Funeral Service will be celebrated at the Goodstoney Rodeo Centre (Morley, AB) Monday, June 19, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.Graveside Service to follow at Wesley Cemetery, Morley, AB. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of John Snow, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.