Narcisse Blood remembered as influential leader

LETHBRIDGE – Narcisse Blood held many titles during his life – teacher, historian, elder, filmmaker and writer are just a few.

Blood was one of five people killed in a three car crash Tuesday outside Regina.

The 60 year old Cardston resident was fiercely proud of his Blackfoot heritage. He was one of the founders of the Kainai studies program at Red Crow Community College on the Blood reserve.

Current director of Kainai studies, Ryan Heavy Head, remembers his friend as an instrumental figure in preserving Blackfoot culture. “Narcisse was a leader of Kainai who dedicated his life to grooming strong, caring relationships across many social and cultural boundaries, relationships that he knew would benefit future Blackfoot generations for long to come,” Heavy Head said in a statement. “His loss will be felt by many, and his humour missed by all.”

Blood was instrumental in helping form a partnership between Red Crow Community College and the University of Lethbridge where he worked in recent years. He taught in both the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Education, while also serving as elder for the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Alumni Chapter.

U of L President Mike Mahon says his loss leaves a deep impact, “he’s an alumnus of ours, his children and grandchildren are alumnus’ of ours. He was just a real significant presence in our university in so many ways and in so many contexts.”

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Blood was heavily involved in the arts, as a writer and filmmaker. His credits include directing the documentary “Round Up” for the National Film Board of Canada.

More tributes to him poured in over social media on Wednesday.