I am helping with fundraising for our family friend Robyn 'Bear' Pepion, whose son Cody, 24, recently made his journey to the Sand Hills of our Nitsitapi ancestors. All funds raised will be used to help pay for the costs of laying him to rest.

Cody Racine was a friend to many in the town he grew up in, Great Falls, Montana. His family on both sides are Blackfeet, but due to circumstances outside his control, he was never able to be enrolled, despite having enough blood quantum and descending from great Chiefs and leaders of the Pikuni people- such as Mountain Chief and Heavy Runner. Funeral costs are normally paid by the tribe but because he was not enrolled, his mother, who is a Blackfeet Tribal member, will receive only $300 toward funeral costs and the rest of the cost is her own to bear.

Cody passed away from an illness that cannot be seen- schizophrenia. He developed this illness, a severe form, 3 years ago. It carried command hallucinations (voices) that would tell him to self-harm. So, although it may appear to be a suicide, Cody would want everyone to know he did not want to die. Over these past 3 years, he fought the illness, had many hospitalizations and tried so many different medications to try to regain control of his life. With his loving mom and brothers, Cody fought a hard battle these past few years to defeat the devastating symptoms of this illness. The one voice he could not get rid of may have won in that moment, but we know in the long run it did not win his spirit. He is embraced by his loving ancestors and at peace now in the beautiful circle camp of his ancestors.

It is so difficult to explain an illness as complex as schizophrenia, so cruel and sad and misunderstood by our society. Society is still not equipped to deal with it, leaving families like Cody's struggling to protect their loved ones from harm. On top of this, having to feel the rejection of not being enrolled his entire life, it is even more hurtful for his family to realize the tribe does not help with costs for its descendants.

The family wants the community to know that all of your posts have been so comforting and have reminded them of a time before their loved one struggled so hard. It brings them comfort to remember how loved Cody was by his community in Great Falls. They would like to thank you all for being his friend, laughing and skating, playing basketball with him over the years. It means so much to them to read these memories and to hear the comforting words sent to them.

Cody will be put to rest with his people on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, MT and arrangements will be announced as soon as they are made.

Bear is a single mother with 3 other sons. She does not have resources on hand to cover costs of this unexpected tragedy. The family also had to have their car repaired in order to take care of arrangements. All of these things are overwhelming, leaving the family in need of our help.

Cody is in St. Ignatius tonight being prepared for his last ceremony.

A message from his mom- "I know Cody loved each and every one of you. Thank you for sharing your life with my oldest son, Cody Racine."