Roxanne Tootoosis Obituary – Death: “Rest in Power Elder Roxanne Tootoosis. I had the pleasure working with her on more than one occasion, and her gifting of pihesiwin to the City of Edmonton is truly an honour. When an Elder leaves, it is said we lose a library.”
Roxanne Tootoosis, a guardian of indigenous knowledge at MacEwan University, has died. Roxanne was found to be unresponsive at home on Sunday, August 29, 202, due to complications from Covid-19. She was 60 years old.
Rest in Power Elder Roxanne Tootoosis. I had the pleasure working with her on more than one occasion, and her gifting of pihesiwin to the City of Edmonton is truly an honour. When an Elder leaves, it is said we lose a library. @doniveson
— Rob (@NehiyawRob) August 30, 2021
Roxanne was reportedly fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when she contracted the Delta variant at a ceremony at a sweat lodge last weekend.
I’m in shock that the first person I know to have died from covid is my elder who taught me how to make ribbon skirts. She was truly amazing, accomplished, & held so much knowledge. I loved hearing & reading every one of her stories. You will be missed by many Roxanne Tootoosis.
— KL (she/her) (@Frecklez_77) August 30, 2021
The university will lower the MacEwan banner and the Metis Nation and Treaty 6 flags in honour of Roxanne Tootoosis, MacEwan’s first Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. A celebration of Roxanne’s life will be held on campus on August 31 at 6 p.m.pic.twitter.com/He0iOBmOkb
— MacEwan University (@MacEwanU) August 30, 2021
Dr.? Knowledge Keeper for MacEwan University died yesterday of CoVID. At 60.
The universities–like government–are forcing staff back on-site. What will it take to stop this mess??!!!
I’m heartbroken at Roxanne Tootoosis’ early death.— Missy (@xX__MissE__Xx) August 31, 2021
Roxanne Tootoosis, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper at MacEwan University died of covid19 on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Her family is so mad about covid.
But all AB workers–including colleges and unis–MUST go back on-site. This is bananas.
— Missy (@xX__MissE__Xx) August 31, 2021
It is with sadness that Roxanne Tootoosis passed away this weekend from Covid. Roxanne was one of the 17 women who contributed to the Indigenous Ward Names. Hear her wisdom as she explains the meaning of the pihêsiwin ward name in this short video #yeg
— Cory Sousa (@CorySousa) August 31, 2021
I am grateful for the leadership Roxanne Tootoosis gifted us. My sincerest condolences to her family.
— Kelly Rudyk (@kellyrudyk) August 31, 2021