CREE LEADER KISIKAW PIYESIWEWIN PAHPAHTAYWAK KIHEW (NOEL VICTOR STARBLANKET) BORN
Noel was born in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan (SK), on the Starblanket Indian Reserve. His name meant “Where the Thunderbirds Live” & “Spotted Eagle.” Starblanket’s experiences of abuse at residential school were recorded in The Survivors Speak: a report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, e-book Shattering the Silence, and documentary From Up North. In 1971, he became one of Canada’s youngest reserve chiefs; was elected 3rd Vice-Chief of the Executive, Federation of SK Indians (FSIN); and was Director, Treaty Rights & Research. In 1975, Noel became President of the National Indian Brotherhood and was re-elected in 1978. With the National Film Board (NFB), he worked on You Are on Indian Land & Ballad of Crowfoot. In 2001, his story was the basis for the documentary, Starblanket: A Spirit Journey. An Elder-in-Residence at Scott Collegiate, Regina, SK, Noel also worked at University of Regina, Office of Indigenization. Starblanket died April 15, 2019, in Regina, SK.
Sources: Mark Melnychuk, "Revered politician, respected elder: Noel Starblanket is precious to Saskatchewan's Indigenous community," Regina Leader-Post, 5/16/2018. Retrieved 3/20/2022, Noel Starblanket is precious to Saskatchewan's Indigenous community | Regina Leader Post Penny Smoke, “Celebration of life held for elder, long-time chief Noel Starblanket,” CBC News, 4/18/2019. Retrieved 3/20/2022, Celebration of life held for elder, long-time chief Noel Starblanket | CBC News Photo: Courtesy of University of Regina, Faculty of Education. Source: Noel Starblanket – Shattering the Silence (uregina.ca)
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