Great Falls—Eva Collins, 81, of Great Falls, left this world on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
Eva was born January 14, 1936 to Thomas (Kihew) and Mary Tootoosis (Whitford)) on the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of two, Eva was raised by her maternal grandparents after the loss of her mother. She was taken back to her mother's homeland in Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan where she was taught to survive off the land and learn the traditional values of the People.
Eva was self-taught and the education she attained came from family. As a young woman Eva was surrounded by her grandfather's horsemanship and lifestyle which fostered a strong bond with these magnificent animals. She carried this on with her children by supporting their involvement in rodeo.
Later in life, Eva also participated in ceremonies of the Cree People and remained close to her spirituality as she was proud of her heritage and culture.
Eva began beading at a young age. Much of her work can be found in many museums. She loved to bead and had a distinct pattern that everyone knew.
In the summer of 1968, Eva met William T. Collins and they became common law husband and wife.
Eva is survived by her husband, five children, and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Mary Tootoosis; and three brothers Francis, Walter, and Jack Tootoosis.
Complete obituary published in Great Falls Tribune on Mar. 30, 2017
Eva was born January 14, 1936 to Thomas (Kihew) and Mary Tootoosis (Whitford)) on the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of two, Eva was raised by her maternal grandparents after the loss of her mother. She was taken back to her mother's homeland in Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan where she was taught to survive off the land and learn the traditional values of the People.
Eva was self-taught and the education she attained came from family. As a young woman Eva was surrounded by her grandfather's horsemanship and lifestyle which fostered a strong bond with these magnificent animals. She carried this on with her children by supporting their involvement in rodeo.
Later in life, Eva also participated in ceremonies of the Cree People and remained close to her spirituality as she was proud of her heritage and culture.
Eva began beading at a young age. Much of her work can be found in many museums. She loved to bead and had a distinct pattern that everyone knew.
In the summer of 1968, Eva met William T. Collins and they became common law husband and wife.
Eva is survived by her husband, five children, and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Mary Tootoosis; and three brothers Francis, Walter, and Jack Tootoosis.
Complete obituary published in Great Falls Tribune on Mar. 30, 2017
Great Falls—Eva Collins, 81, of Great Falls, left this world on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
Eva was born January 14, 1936 to Thomas (Kihew) and Mary Tootoosis (Whitford)) on the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of two, Eva was raised by her maternal grandparents after the loss of her mother. She was taken back to her mother's homeland in Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan where she was taught to survive off the land and learn the traditional values of the People.
Eva was self-taught and the education she attained came from family. As a young woman Eva was surrounded by her grandfather's horsemanship and lifestyle which fostered a strong bond with these magnificent animals. She carried this on with her children by supporting their involvement in rodeo.
Later in life, Eva also participated in ceremonies of the Cree People and remained close to her spirituality as she was proud of her heritage and culture.
Eva began beading at a young age. Much of her work can be found in many museums. She loved to bead and had a distinct pattern that everyone knew.
In the summer of 1968, Eva met William T. Collins and they became common law husband and wife.
Eva is survived by her husband, five children, and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Mary Tootoosis; and three brothers Francis, Walter, and Jack Tootoosis.
Complete obituary published in Great Falls Tribune on Mar. 30, 2017
Eva was born January 14, 1936 to Thomas (Kihew) and Mary Tootoosis (Whitford)) on the Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of two, Eva was raised by her maternal grandparents after the loss of her mother. She was taken back to her mother's homeland in Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan where she was taught to survive off the land and learn the traditional values of the People.
Eva was self-taught and the education she attained came from family. As a young woman Eva was surrounded by her grandfather's horsemanship and lifestyle which fostered a strong bond with these magnificent animals. She carried this on with her children by supporting their involvement in rodeo.
Later in life, Eva also participated in ceremonies of the Cree People and remained close to her spirituality as she was proud of her heritage and culture.
Eva began beading at a young age. Much of her work can be found in many museums. She loved to bead and had a distinct pattern that everyone knew.
In the summer of 1968, Eva met William T. Collins and they became common law husband and wife.
Eva is survived by her husband, five children, and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Mary Tootoosis; and three brothers Francis, Walter, and Jack Tootoosis.
Complete obituary published in Great Falls Tribune on Mar. 30, 2017
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