Actor Gordon Tootoosis dies: family
Celebrated actor Gordon Tootoosis has died, a family member is confirming to CBC News.
The cause of death was not immediately available but he was recently hospitalized for treatment of pneumonia. Tootoosis was 69.
He was born on the Poundmaker Reserve in rural Saskatchewan.
In addition to his film and television work, Tootoosis was also active in First Nations politics.
He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2004 for his achievements as “an inspirational role model for Aboriginal youth.”
Tootoosis was taken from his home as a youngster and placed in the Indian Residential School system. Like many in the system, Tootoosis endured harsh circumstances at the school.
As an adult, he became a social worker and was a band chief for a time.
Tootoosis broke into acting in 1972 with the movie Alien Thunder. He went on to be featured in dozens of films and television series, including North of 60, Legends of the Fall and Crazy Horse.