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Gordon Tootoosis
Gordon Tootoosis
Gordon Tootoosis
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The biography traces the extraordinary winding
path of Tootoosis – from his childhood on Saskatchewan’s
Poundmaker Reserve, to success in Hollywood and back. Like
so many native children, he was exiled from his home and forced
to attend Catholic residential school. In candid interviews,
he describes the brutality and humiliation he suffered - and
the legacy of anger and alcoholism that would plague his adult
life. Like his father before him, Tootoosis became a champion
of native rights even acting as band chief. He also pursued
his talent as an artist – learning painting, sculpture
and drama. In 1972, he got his first big break when he landed
the role of Almighty Voice in the movie Alien Thunder –
he had found his calling. Since then, he has co-starred with
such luminaries as Brad Pitt and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Yet as Tootoosis settled into success, tragedy was waiting.
One year after his son-in-law committed suicide, his daughter
Glynis passed away from cancer. Tootoosis and his wife Irene
are now raising their four young grandchildren on the Poundmaker
reserve. For Tootoosis, the return home is more important
than sacrificing his roots for roles. “Hollywood knows
where to find me,” says Tootoosis.
Original Air Date - March 18, 2003
Links
Gordon
Tootoosis (canoe.ca)
Aboriginal
Faces of Saskatchewan
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