Harley Jack Bastien

Harley Jack Bastien (Ee-toh-moh-mah-kah) “He Goes First” was born on July 22, 1956 in Brocket, Alberta and passed suddenly on September 28, 2025 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta after an aggressive battle with cancer.

Harley leaves behind his loving wife Betty and his children: Natoshia Bastien (Clayton Blood), Carly (Bernis) Wells and Trevor Bastien.  His grandchildren Raiden Bastien, Kalli Bastien (Thomas), Dakoa Blood, Jack Littlechild and Jaylynn Littlechild.   His brothers Mario (Charlotte) Provost and Dennis Bastien of Crow Agency, Montana.   His sisters Rhonda Bastien, Maxine Jerry, Virgina McDermott, Janet, Lynette, Lana, and Mary Bastien. 

He leaves behind many whom he adopted as brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren including Kaylo Jerry, Timothy Bastien, Guy Sommerfeldt, Waldon Big Weasel, Ian Bergen, Ethel Hoeksema, Brandi Poulsen, Kora Morris, Kenneth Coon, Jan Small Legs, Katelyn Poulsen, Savannah Johnson, Nolan Pelletier. Imajyn Cardinal, William and Kaylie Pelletier.  He also leaves behind in-laws, nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his heart including Terry (Alanna) Kennedy, Jacqueline (Trent) Bear, Lori-Anne, Byrdie, Jamie and Henry Bastien.  Predeceased by his paternal grandparents Onisim Bastien & Lucy Lost, maternal grandparents Napolean & Angeline Provost, parents Jack and Jenny Bastien, brother Marshall Bastien, sister Byrdie Bastien, nephew Micheal Bastien, nieces Joanne Bastien, Jackie Bastien, Allison Knowlton and adopted son Tyson Lonechild.

Harley was a devoted father and land steward who instilled in his children strength, independence, and resilience — qualities that guided them toward purpose and self-reliance. Their childhood was filled with warm memories: hearty breakfasts featuring his famous pan scramblers, drive-in movies, hunting, fishing, hiking and a shared enthusiasm for the world of wrestling. As they grew, he encouraged them to lead meaningful lives and contribute to the world around them.

As a proud Piikani Nation member, Harley dedicated his life to protecting the land, sharing knowledge, and preserving culture. Raised in the Oldman River valley, he spent decades restoring southern Alberta’s ecosystems and bridging Indigenous teachings with Western science. He founded the annual Peigan Friends Along the River fish rescue and co-developed “Harley’s Course” at Mount Royal University, inspiring students to view nature through both scientific and Indigenous perspectives.

Harley also championed cultural preservation through projects such as the book Forgotten Dreams and the film Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies. Through Eagle and Raven Consulting and the Buffalo Rock tipi camp, he empowered Indigenous youth and shared traditional knowledge. Guided by a deep spiritual calling, he believed that caring for the land was both a sacred duty and a gift. His legacy endures in the landscapes he protected, the wisdom he shared, and the generations he inspired to see land, culture, and spirit as one.

He will be deeply missed by his wife and family, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, learned from him, and shared laughter with him in the Oldman River valley.

A wake will be held at Eden's Funeral Home in Fort Macleod on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Piikani Multipurpose Building in Brocket. Alberta

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