SATURDAY, February 18, 2017

PAUL M. RACZKA PII-TAKIT-SI-PIMI (Spotted Eagle)

Paul M. Raczka, Pii takit si pimi (Spotted Eagle), also known as Api si pis to (White Owl), 74, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 12, 2017 in Choteau at the Medical Center, with his wife, Albertine Crow Shoe, at his side. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Eden’s Funeral Home in Fort Macleod, Alberta, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 11:00 am at the Piikani Nation Community Hall and a meal to follow. Paul was born on December 29, 1942 to Eugene and Irene Raczka in Buffalo, New York. Paul was a known historian, a Blackfoot Piikani knowledge leader and ceremonialist. In 1963, Paul enlisted into the United States Army, joining the Special Forces 101st Airborne Unit, and serving through 1966. He then went on to the University of New Mexico, where he started the “The Singing Wire” Ripples through Life on the KUMN radio station. In 1972, he left New Mexico and moved to Alberta, Canada in 1972, with his previous wife Elaine and two young daughters, Jennifer and Denise. He was adopted by late Laura Crow Shoe Buffalo; and other families who are being recognized, the late Ed & Ruth Little Bear; the late Joe Crowshoe Sr. and the Rose Potts family. Paul was one of the people instrumental in reviving the All Brave Dog Society, as well as the Blackfoot ceremonies on the Piikani Nation. In 1977, he was transferred into the All Brave Dog Society, where he was transferred the Bear Dog Bundle. Over the years Paul, held many bundles and obtained numerous transferred rites and he was a current Beaver Bundle owner. Paul was Piikani at heart; his true passion was Niitsitapiipatapiisiin Blackfoot Ways of life from ceremony and song. Paul was committed to helping the younger generation in teaching them sacred cultural protocols. His heart has been with the Piikani Peoples, Elders, clans, sacred societies and his holy children. He is an acknowledged traditional leader. He was a keeper of sacred songs from past ceremonialists and received many cultural transfers over the decades. He was humble and would not boast about his achievements. He followed the ways of his traditional elders and teachers whose stories he shared kindly. Paul was closely connected to many clans throughout “Indian Country”, which he established life-long relationships. He adopted many children and grandchildren establishing a large spiritual family of whom attended Paul and Albertine’s Beaver Bundle ceremonies. Paul traveled to art shows throughout the western United States and Canada buying, selling and appraising art work. His friend David Levine said it best, “Paul was an example of how one can become what one embraces. He became what he willed himself to be”. A passage from his latest book, A Blackfoot History, The Winter Counts : “To my father, the first storyteller in my life; and to all storytellers, whoever they may be, past, present and future. May their stories live on forever, for they carry the essence of life itself.” Paul is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Eric), and Denise (Jackie); his wife Albertine; sons Josh and JT (Val); grandchildren Keon, Brittany, Karson and Kylee; brothers Ken (Mary) and Tom; and numerous nieces and nephews. We acknowledge his close friends, Jerry Potts Jr, Melvin Provost, Willard Yellowface, Shirlee Crow Shoe, his Brave Dog brothers and his ceremonial “Otakkaiksi”. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Irene Raczka; and his Brave Dog brothers who have gone before him. We would like to thank everyone who was a part of his life.