John Tootoosis

Who was John Tootoosis?

John Tootoosis was a prominent Cree First Nations leader in Canada. He is the grandson of Yellow Mud Blanket, and grandnephew of legendary Cree leader Pitikwahanapiwiyin.

Upon the formation of the Union of Saskatchewan Indians in 1946, he served as its president and later as a member of the executive. In 1959, the union was reorganized as the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and Tootoosis became its first president. In 1970, he was appointed to the federation's newly formed senate, and served in this capacity for the next 19 years.

His son was the actor Gordon Tootoosis.