Cecilia Black Water

Aanatsoikaayaakii- Pretty Mink Woman

Anatsoyiikayaakii (Pretty Mink Woman), Cecilia Ann Black Water Is the daughter of Innoowa’si Billy and Iisikamo’saakii Margaret (nee Calling First) Eagle Bear.  She is a kipitaipoyka to her maternal grandparents Iitoomaohkomi Charles and Muka Calling First.  Her paternal grandparents are Innoowa’si Jack and Saikimainkahta Agnes (nee Anderton) Eagle Bear.  Anatsoyiikayaakii is married to Makoyoopistoki Norbert Black Water.  From this union, they had the late Koomsamaki Rochelle, Iitoominaamahka Norbert Jr, Piitaohtookaan Aloyuisius, and Isspawani Nathan Black Water.  In 1985, Makoyoopistoki, Anatsoyiikayaakii and Aapinakoisisttsi Gordon Morning Bird transferred into the sacred Iitskinaiksi.  They had Koomsaami Doonanii for five years.  In 1990, they transferred out.  Makoyoopistoki and Anatsoyiikayaakii were honoured by Norbert & Mary Louise Fox and transferred a Ninnaimsskaiksi Isstsisii necklace and bracelets.  Today, Anatsoyiikayaakii and Makoyoopistoki serve as Kaahsinooniksi at the Aako’ka’tssin Circle Camp and community.  Anatsoyiikayaakii follows the spiritual path of her ancestors beginning with great grandmother Makoiyaaki a Maotoki and healer; Itoomoahkomi and Muka Iitskinaiksi, and Ninnaimsskaiksi.  Muka was a Maotoki and a healer.  Inowasi and Saikimainkahta were Iitskinaiksi.  Today, her niece Jennifer Chief Moon Okaawa, her sons Itoominaamahka and Isspawani were Iitskinaiksi, her grandson Tsinaaskinaa Colby Black Water is a partner to Aakaota’si Clarence Jr and Ksitsikoomipiksaki Trish Black Water Iitskinaiksi and have Koomsami Doonanii, several of her nieces and nephews are Kanatsomitaiksi and Kakoyiiksi.  Her father Billy, siblings Patrick Eagle Bear, Florine White Man Left (late Bernard), Natalie Eagle Bear (Gordon Morning Bird) and Frankie (Wilbur) Yellow Old Woman were  Iitskinaiksi.  Anatsoyiikayaaki supports them all at the Aako’ka’tssin.  As well, Makoyoopistoki and Anasoyiikayaakii ensure their infant grandchildren are painted by Iitskinaiksi during their Ispahtowapsi ceremony.  As well, they vowed to hold four Kano’tsisissin All Smoke Ceremonies from 2011-2014.  During the period of 1985 - 1990, the Kaahsinooniksi Mark Old Shoes, Edward Spotted Bull, Pete Weasel Moccasin Sr, Dan Weasel Moccasin, Henry Rides at the Door, Suzette Black Plume, Rachel Crying Head, and Wallace Mountain Horse iipommokinahn aawaatowapi.  During Anatsoyiikayaaki’s early childhood, her teachers were her parents and both maternal and paternal grandparents to speak the Blackfoot language, and the values of aatsimmoiyihkanni spirituality, kimmapiiypitsinni kindness to others, innaakotsiiysinni respect to others, aksistoiypaittapiisinni being able to take on tasks independently, isspomaanitapiiysinni  being helpful to others.  Anatsoyiikayaaki was employed at the Blood Indian Hospital in administrative capacities from being in clerical roles, office manager and being a hospital administrator from 1972 to 1999.  When the hospital closed in October 1999, she transferred to the Blood Tribe Department of Health as the Director of Kainai Continuing Care Centre.  Then in 2011, she was offered the position of Chief Executive Officer until she retired in 2017.After retirement, she served on Elders’ Committees that include Aahsoapi & Saipoiyi Elementary schools, and briefly served the Blood Tribe Police. During her childhood years, she was fortunate to hear Napi Stories and the Children who were Left Behind as told by her grandfather Inoowasi Jack Eagle Bear. As well, her grandmother Saikimainkahta Agnes Eagle Bear used plants and herbs to treat ailments experienced by family members.  During Covid, Anatsoyiikayaaki used Sage and Sweetgrass to treat herself for her Covid infection. Having been with Innowasi Jack and Saikimainkahta Eagle Bear, and Muka Calling First, Anatsoyiikayaaki experienced her grandparents gentle loving ways of being, learning to listen, and respecting them. Anatsoyiikayaaki relies on Aatsimmoiyihkanni to help others such as offering tobacco to aatoyitapiks ancestors who have passed on, four day fast with siblings, and smudge & prayer for whoever needs prayer.

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