DALBERT CHARLES MILLS, August 22, 1948 – July 6, 2018 (Kiyo’Ina’Po – Bear Goes East), passed away surrounded by his family at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Friday July 6, 2018 at the age of 69 years old.

Dalbert’s memory will live on in his siblings; Teresa (Erwin) Mills, Randy (Doreen) Mills, Ivory (Donna) Mills, Edward Mills, and Evelyn (Andrew) Wells. Dalbert is also survived by his special nephews: Jade (Sloan) Mills, Theoren Healy, Bailey Mills and Shane (Joni) Sweet Grass. Special nieces: Leslie Water Chief and Sonya Mills. Also, by his special friends: Arnold Fox, Vivian White Quills and Verda Weasel Head. Dalbert will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a kind and caring person. Dalbert was a role model and care giver to his family and he took great pride in being the oldest member of the Mills family. Dalbert was the patriarch of our family; he thought things through and gave us advice by his wisdom, respect and fairness. He was looked up to by our family and he helped us out the best way he could.

Dalbert attended St. Mary’s Residential School from grades one thru ten. He graduated with his high school diploma from Catholic Central High School in 1968. He went on to achieve a higher education attending the University of Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2004, he enrolled at the University of Victoria, BC. He received a Bachelors of Arts and Science Degree majoring in history and ending his education with a Master Degree in Education also from the University of Victoria. Dalbert was passionate in working for his community, he was employed on the Blood Indian Reserve from 1996 to 2018 the focus of his work was ensuring our vulnerable members needs were met. Our Family was so proud of the initiatives he achieved such as starting up the Kainai Food Bank he ensured this service was licensed and deemed a Registered Charity, Kainai Community Gardens he set up seven gardens, planting vegetables for our community and the Kamotani Childrens Program for the Blood Tribe Reinvestment Department. He created Manitapi, youth program where he instilled pride in our youth and mentored them to give back to the community. He worked tirelessly in receiving supports from the three levels of government to open and sustain the Kainai Homeless Shelter; he also created the Moses Lake Soup Kitchen. Dalbert also dedicated the “Tree of Hope” located in front of Human Service building to the children of the Blood Reserve in a special tree lighting ceremony. Dalbert was a true hero that embodied integrity, honesty, humility, generosity and reliability; he will be remembered by all as a true leader, friend, uncle, great uncle and cousin.

Dalbert’s extended family included the No Runners, Spear Chiefs, Russell, Good Rider, Red Gun, Oka, Eagle Tailfeathers, Crow Chief and Brewers, the family apologizes for any names missed, Dalbert had so many friends to numerous to name.

Dalbert was predeceased by his parents: Christopher Buster Mills Sr. and Eva Mills (Good Rider), sisters: Loretta (Gordon) Many Fingers, Gloria (Gerald) Shade, Virginia Mills, Rose Marie Mills, Mary Rose Many Fingers, Edith (Norman) Little Child, and Liza Mills. Brothers: Christopher Mills Jr., Richard Mills, Franco Mills. Aunties: Annette (Paul) Russell, Annie (Ben) Brewer, Isbell (Allen) Spear Chief, Margaret Hind Man, and Uncle Emil Good Rider.

A Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 5:00 P.M. A Wake will follow at the same location from 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. with Joe Eagle Tail Feathers officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST.BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – 604 13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Lukas Drapal, Celebrant.

Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2018-07-06
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta