Roy Joseph Naistus “kisîwâpisi-hikan ê-kâ-kîpimitoht” was born on July 30th, 1947, in Onion Lake, Saskatchewan, to Alvina Chief (Naistus) and Norman Chief. Roy was the second oldest child of what would become a large and loving family that would grow to include 17 siblings. From a very young age, he learned the value of hard work. He developed a deep love for hunting and trapping early in life, a passion he later shared with his wife and sons, taking great pride in teaching them these traditional skills.

On March 30th, 1977, he married the love of his life, Joan Lewis. Together, they built a strong and loving family and were blessed with seven beautiful children, who meant everything to him. Though their marriage later came to a heartbreaking end, the love they shared and the family they created remained an important part of his life.

In time, he found love again when he met Elaine. With her, he was blessed with two more beautiful daughters, bringing renewed joy and happiness into his life and continuing the legacy of love he cherished so deeply.

Dad enjoyed sports from a very young age, developing a lifelong love for baseball and hockey that stayed with him throughout his life. When his sons began playing sports, he became actively involved—supporting and cheering them on every step of the way. He was proud to be one of the original members of the Chiefs teams in Onion Lake, playing both hockey and baseball, and carried that role with great pride and dedication to his community.

He often spoke about his time working as a ranch hand—experiences that shaped not only his future but also the values he passed on to his children. From those early days, which eventually led him to a position with Triple “O.”, he found the inspiration to start his own farm, a dream he worked tirelessly to build and sustain. On the ranch, Dad taught his children the importance of hard work, working alongside them baling hay, branding cattle, fixing farm equipment and numerous farm and cattle work. Instilling in them a deep respect for dedication and perseverance. He showed his children the true meaning of unconditional love, always offering his unwavering support, kindness, and guidance.

Dad was a deeply cultural man who practiced and attended all cultural ceremonies throughout his life. He was very proud of being a descendant of Sakāskōhtew and carried that pride with him always. He would often share stories that he heard from his Mosom, Jimmy Chief, speaking about the lessons and history passed down to him. He spoke of growing up with him and shared stories of the trail of Sakāskōhtew and his role in keeping his people and surrounding communities safe.

In 1990 Dad started the group Sakaskootch with his boys and brought all of his children into the powwow circle, teaching both his sons and daughters how to dance. He truly enjoyed attending powwows and being part of the community. Many cherished memories were made as he would dance in the living room, showing us different steps and encouraging us to carry on our traditions. He was also a very ceremonial man and took immense pride in his children, especially when they danced.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humor—he teased a lot and was always joking around, bringing laughter to those around him. He was incredibly proud of his chicims and chapans, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did. His storytelling was truly out of this world; he told his stories so well that everyone who listened believed every word.

Roy was predeceased by his children, the mother of his children Joan (2024), his son Ferdinand (Chinan) (1994), his daughters Emily (2023), Juanita (1975). His parents Alvina Chief (2016), and Norman Chief (1983); his paternal grandparents, Jimmy Chief(1984) and Amy Chief(1962); his maternal grandparents, Mary Quinney (1996) and Joseph Naistus (1962); his sister, Lorraine Chocan (2022), Lydia (2019), Betty (2018), Norma Chief (1999); his brothers: David (2023) and Charles (2024), Arnold (2016), numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Roy leaves to mourn: his children; his sons Conroy (Selena), Elroy (Cindy), Joshua (Emina), his adopted son Ernie; his daughters, LaQuinna (Ivan), Angel (Whisper), and Valynne. He was blessed with 30 chicims and 33 chapans.

He is survived by: his brothers, Clifford (Lyndsay), Lyle (Anna); his sisters Susan, Viola, Marilyn, Arlene, Eleanor, Eileen, Karen (Quinton); as well as his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and chapans. His uncles; Bruce, Duncan, Clarence and his aunty Alma.

Wake Services: Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at 1:00 PM, Kēhtē-aya-wikamik Round Hall, Onion Lake, SK S0M2E0

Funeral Service: Friday, March 27th, 2026, at 11:00 AM,Kēhtē-aya-wikamik Round Hall, Onion Lake, SK S0M2E0

Final Resting Place: Wichekaskosiw Sakahikan Ayawepowin Cemetery, Onion Lake, SK.

• Date : 2026-03-23
• Location : Round Hall - Kēhtē-aya-wikamik East Side, Onion Lake, SK