Obituary of Abel Anat' soyikayi (Meaning Beautiful Swan) Eagle Speaker

EAGLE SPEAKER, Abel “Anat' soyikayi (Meaning Beautiful Swan)

December 2, 1959 - Cardston, Alberta

February 28, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Today we honour the life of a kind, gentle, humble man. Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, nephew, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Abel “Buster” Eagle Speaker- ANAT’ SOYIKAYI (Beautiful Swan).

Buster was born December 2,1959 and lived his life quiet and humble. On February 28, 2023, he meet our Creator, just as so. 

Those who knew him well, knew him as a fun, creative, kind and humble man. He was very silly, always full of laughter. Especially when he was with his brothers. Buster made friends very easily, he was a cool, calm and collected man. When he showed up he just had such a cool essence. Buster was a champion grass dancer and had plans to rejoin the powwow circle again. He was a deadly beader. A man that truly loved the outdoors. He was known for his awesome camp set ups at the local pow-wows. 

He really expressed his love for his nieces and nephews especially Miracle “Mecco” Eagle Speaker his little best friend.  He was proud of his nieces and nephews who were active in our Blackfoot cultural upbringing. Whether it was powwow singing, dancing, traditional sewing, and beading. He expressed how proud he was of his nephew’s Darcy Turning Robe, Norvin Eagle Speaker as they created their own path as proud dominant powwow singers. 

Buster is survived by his sons, Shane (Crystal Proulx) Gottifriedson and Beaudeen Sampson; grandchildren, Samarah, Jakob, Daija-lynn, Everleigh and Isla-may Gottifriedson; great-granddaughter Raven Gottifriedson, traditional adopted mother Christine Mcgills of Tsuu T’ina Nation, great-aunties, Connie Rabbit Carrier and Elizabeth Scout; siblings, Casey (Pixie) Eagle Speaker, Norton (Alvine) Eagle Speaker, Otto (Marcella) Eagle Speaker, Trent (Feather) Eagle Speaker, Verna (Calvin) Cutter, and Trina (Frank jr.) Turning Robe. 

Buster was predeceased by his parents, Clifford (Cecilia Water Chief) Eagle Speaker; grandparents, Charles Eagle Speaker, Julia Bad Arm, Fred Turning Robe (adopted), and Niita Waki Water Chief; aunties, Lola Eagle Speaker, Liz Eagle Speaker, and Susan Strangling Wolf; siblings, Anthony (Tony) Eagle Tail Feathers, Clifford Eagle Speaker Jr, Lloyd Little Plume, Joseph Good Rider, Vince Spence, Kenny Spence, Varona Eagle Speaker, Nora Eagle Speaker; and his baby boy Brody Gottifriedson/ Eagle Speaker. 

Extended relatives would include Three Suns, Water Chiefs, Yellow Horses, Black Horses, Turning Robe, Backfats, Low Horn, Blue Birds, Black Riders, McMaster, Olds, Peacemakers, Axe, Goodstrickers, Bullshields, Weaslefat, Crosschild, Badarm, Rabbit, Medicine Travellers, Yellow Old Woman, Strangling Wolf, English,  and Standing Alone. We apologize if we forgot any relatives from Kainai, Piikuni, Siksika and Browning Montana. 

Wake Services will be held at Gordon Yellowfly Powwow Arbour, Siksika Nation, Alberta on Sunday March 5, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Gordon Yellowfly Powwow Arbour, Siksika Nation, Alberta on Monday March 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery Siksika  Nation, Alberta. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Abel "Anat' soyikayi (Meaning Beautiful Swan) Eagle Speaker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Abel Eagle Speaker's Memorial Card