WAYNE JOSEPH PLUME "Sahsahkaiksin (Pemmican)",beloved husband of Diane Plume, passed away at the Cardston Hospital, on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at the age of 84 years.

Wayne was born on the Blood Reserve on August 05, 1931 to Laurie and Minnie Plume and resided there for most of his life. He took the name of his father as part of our Blackfoot traditions and customs.

Wayne became a member of the Horns Society at the age of eight and again at 18 years old. Up until recently, he was the youngest member to join. He paid the new youngest member for replacing him. Wayne attended the St. Paul's Residential School and it was there that he broke his back falling from a third storey window while sleepwalking. He did not receive medical attention for this injury as he was put on a bed and left alone. Wayne defied the odds by recovering and continuing on with school.

Wayne married Albertine Big Throat. This was the last arranged marriage for the Blood Reserve and their union lasted many years with them raising ten children together. During his marriage to Albertine, Wayne left to seek work and opportunity in the United States. He was also evading the authorities due to contracting TB while in residential school. Upon his return to Canada, Wayne was brought to the Charles Camsell Hospital for treatment and remained there for 36 months. Wayne provided for his family as a storeowner, butcher, postmaster, caretaker and finally retired as a bus owner and driver. Together with Albertine, he had the first A&W (Albertine and Wayne's Store) on the Reserve. As a bus driver for Fort Macleod schools, Wayne acquired many little friends who fondly remember him as a kind and funny man, as well as his signature wave which reached from one end of the windshield to the other.

Wayne was very involved in the Standoff community. He spent much of his time dedicated to the beautification of the church and St. Catherine's Cemetery. Wayne planned and organized the Kainai Indian Days. He planned and organized events such as Track and Field, Community Christmas Dinners, Santa Claus Parade, Christmas Light contest, Community Clean-Up and many other activities too numerous to mention. For his dedication to the community, Wayne was appointed the "Mayor" of Standoff however he did not receive monetary compensation for this "position"; he did these activities from his heart and for our people. He could often be found at the Band office, sharing his words of wisdom and vision then completing his venture with a trip around the countryside to the "Spring Coulee Dump" with a final stop at the Dairy Queen for a much deserved ice-cream. Wayne did receive many awards for his accomplishments, commitment and dedication to the people of the Blood Reserve. Most notably, Wayne received an award of recognition from the Minister of Justice for his volunteerism and work with Kainai Community Corrections.

Wayne spent much of his time sharing knowledge of culture and traditions. He was a member of the Kai Spai Drum Group who have recorded many songs which are still being shared today. He travelled with the Blood Travellers throughout Alberta, British Columbia and parts of the United States, attending Pow-Wows and singing songs which Wayne composed. He was a Chicken, Traditional and Buckskin dancer and shared his gift of dance with his dance troupe. Wayne spent countless hours teaching them different dance styles and how to properly bend their knees. He created the "Standoff Special" and brought his dance troupe to perform at many different events. He was so proud of them that he and his helpers provided complete outfits for the troupe. Through the dance troupe, Wayne helped to create many champion dancers. Wayne was a caller, and on every journey he would ensure to call those who were travelling with him. He would call all the names out in Blackfoot, including the van.

He was the President of the Headdress Society from 1990 to 2011. Wayne wore the double-trailer headdress, a traditional right he earned. He travelled to Australia and different parts of the world, promoting the Blackfoot Tribe, culture and traditions.

In 2002, Wayne married the love of his life, Diane Bull Shields. You would never see one without the other and they shared many wonderful years together. Diane took great care of Wayne and they were devoted to their families, children and the many adopted children they had. Wayne and Diane would travel every day to complete their Prayer Novenas for their family, friends and the community. They were strong supporters of the Catholic faith and would encourage others to pray and be good to one another. With Diane, Wayne made a commitment to walk from his homestead to Lac Ste. Anne. He did this for four years, saying his rosaries every step of the way.

Wayne was a great storyteller. He had many friends and loved to visit. He could be heard sharing stories and recalling events which happened many, many years ago. His knowledge was valuable and would often be sought after.

Up until his passing, Wayne was a member of the Blackfoot Language Program and had been instrumental in revitalizing the Blackfoot Language. He was a part of many Boards as an Elder and Advisor. He will be forever remembered and missed.

Along with his wife Diane, Wayne is survived by their children: Lawanna Plume, Joe (Donna) Plume, Ernest Day Chief, Chris Plume, Lisa (Kenneth) White Man, Stacey Plume, Tyrell Plume, Keon (Linda) Weasel Head, Roland (Phyllis) Weasel Head, Paula Weasel Head, Charles (Rhonda) Weasel Head, Carrie Weasel Head, Deana Plume, Jim (Darlene) Plume, Rex Plume, Clifford Twigg, Charlene (Roger) Plume and Jackie Plume. He had 67 grandchildren, 99 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Wayne had many adopted children and family; we apologize for missing any as they were very special and too numerous to mention.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Laurie and Minnie Plume, his first wife Albertine, his children: Bernice Plume, Ricky Plume, Tina Plume, Francis Weasel Head, and Adlarde Weasel Head, his brothers: Dean Plume and Mike Steele, his sisters: Rosie Day Rider, Annie Heavy Head, Florence Scout and Ione Plume and his grandchildren: Jessica Many Fingers, Natalie Mills and Chasity Mills.

A Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 4:00 P.M.

A Wake will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve, on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. MARY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB., on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawal Andrasz O.M.I. Celebrant.

The Interment will follow at ST. CATHERINE'S CEMETERY, Blood Reserve, AB.