03/31/2026
Friends, it is with a heavy heart we share the passing of our great friend, Rev. John Snow Jr. We'll remember John for his gentle spirit and for his willingness to share his great wealth of wisdom and knowledge with our Indigenous Studies Program and VST community. See attached UCC Indigenous Ministries post for John's obituary.
With sadness, we share that the Rev. John Snow, Jr passed on March 28. Please take time today to honour John.
Rev. John Snow Jr. (1961-2026)
Ăyarhe Sa Wahachâga (Red Mountain Shield), also called Natowawowkaa (âHoly Walkerâ among our Niitsitapi relations), Rev. John Snow, Jr. (Nov 25 1961 - Mar 28 2025) was a Sundancer, Pipe Carrier and ceremonialist in the Stoney Nakoda tradition. He received a BSc from Arizona State University, an MA in Law, Public Policy and Administration from the University of Calgary and an MDiv from Vancouver School of Theology. He also completed the Indigenous Ministry Training Program of the United Church of Canada at Sandy Saulteaux.
John was a direct descendant of the Treaty 7 signatories from the Goodstoney First Nation. Throughout his life he brought together Indigenous and Western traditions. He began his calling early in life with the teachings of Elders from across North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines and other Indigenous leaders who attended the Indian Ecumenical Conference at Morley from 1971-1985. His career took him around the globe, including studies at the London School of Economics and serving as a Reader at the British Museum where he researched artifacts and documentation related to treaties and land claims. He worked for 10 years with Shell Canada in the Land Department as a Minerals Negotiator and Landman. He served as the Oil and Gas Manager for the Stoney Tribal Administration and Chair of the Stoney Oil and Gas Committee. He worked tirelessly as a consultant, negotiator and facilitator for regional and national resource projects for which he received a Deputy Ministerial Award for his work on the Indian Oil and Gas Act. John served on many regional and national boards, including Governor Emeritus at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
John worked for decades to support his late fatherâs work in the United Church of Canada. John served as Chair of All Tribes Presbytery, Co-Chair of the Healing and Respect Committee and National Co-Chair for All Native Circle Conference. He also served on the Permanent Committee on Finance. His ministry began with his work as a Student Minister at Maskwacis United Church. He received his ordination from the Chinook Winds Regional Council in 2020 where he served as Indigenous Minister for Pacific Mountain Regional Council.
John was a Residential Day School Survivor, delivering the keynote address to the Reconciliation Summit in 2016 in Edmonton, and speaking regionally and nationally at conferences to highlight the work of reconciliation and importance of understanding the trauma and effects of the psychological and spiritual harms committed against Indigenous people nationally and globally.
John will be remembered for his kind heart, his open and honest opinions and his steadfast devotion to his faith. He practiced the Indigenous teachings of his people and respected the teachings of the Christian institutions he worked within, while holding space for interfaith and spiritual callings of all people to balance our shared humanity. John was a loving partner, brother, uncle and friend to many who had the opportunity to share the blessing of his presence and love.
The funeral service will be held in Morley on Wednesday April 1 2026 at the Goodstoney Rodeo Centre. The service procession will travel from the wake to the Rodeo Centre by 11 am. He will be interred at the Goodstoney Cemetery at MnĂŽ ThnĂŽ, Alberta. Funeral services are coordinated with McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes
