Clayton Dale Chief

Dale Clayton Chief was born September 6, 1951 in North Battleford, SK.  He was the oldest of 14 children born to Delma and Joseph Chief.  Though he was known as Clayton, he was lovingly called "old man" or "Moshum" by his family.  Clayton was a loving son to his mother, Delma, and when he was young he was taught round dance by his father, Joseph.  He carried on what his parents taught him about singing and ceremony thoughtout his life.  Keeping his traditional ceremonies and teachings and passing them on was very important to him.  Clayton was a residential school survivor, but was still a loving, compassionate family man who dedicated his life to his dear wife, Helen; and his children, grandchildren and extended family.  The love he carried in his heart was often expressed through his songs.  In the 71 years of his life, Clayton accomplished many things, including starting a family drum group, Little Island Cree.  Together they traveled all over Canada and the U.S., recorded several albums, won many awards, including '96 World Hand Drum Champions and nominated for the Juno Award. His love for singing round dance was shared by many, too many to count.  Along with teaching his children, grandchildren and nephews how to sing, he was also a mentor to an entire generation of round dance singers.  His love for his family will always be his legacy. Of his many gifts; legendary round dance singer, accomplished songwriter, traditional dancer, storyteller, teacher, mentor and loyal friend; his big heart and his enduring love for his family as a husband, father, moshum and capan is his greatest legacy. 

Clayton is survived by: his loving wife, Helen Chief; his children, Patricia Chief, Camilla Chief, Dale (Janelle) Chief, Deanna (John) Scabbyrobe Chief, Joey (Miranda) Chief, Bonita Chief, Christopher (Adelle) Chief, Glynnis Chief, and Littleboy Chief; the Cook Family; his adopted children; his siblings, Harvey (Bertha) Chief, Betty Anne (Willam) Peepeekoot, Edward Chief, Alvin (Sonia) Chief, Harold Chief, Wanda (Daniel) Chief, and Dwayne (Melissa) Chief; his step-dad, Victor Waterhen; his 31 grandkids, 3 granddogs, 27 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by: his loving parents, Joseph and Delma Chief; his siblings, Edna Marie Alexander, Louise Chief, Rose Chief, Eric Chief, Virginia Chief, Victoria Cindy Chief, Shirley Chief, Walda Chief and Marlene Chief; his grandchildren, Ispimihk (Bobby Baby), Kristie Durocher, and Morning Star Bear Chief; his great grandchild, Elishera Roseann Fineblanket-Chief; and his best friend and brother from another mother, Eugene Cardinal.

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