Del Wayne First, Šahíya “Looks Like Cree”, was born to Reno First and Gladys Mazakahomani Feather, January 5 th 1962 in Poplar, Montana. Del attended and graduated from the Brockton Schools and lifelong huge Brockton Warrior fan, after graduating from Brockton High School. He attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, then after returning home he attended Fort Peck Community College and received his AA in Native American Studies. He received his class 7 teaching license to teach the Dakota Language. He worked for the Fort Peck Tribes for over 30 years in various positions and most recently working for tribal enrollment and per cap distribution office. He sat on the tribal enrollment committee and was chairman of the Class 7 license committee.
He enjoyed making quilts, singing Dakota Hymns one of his favorite was Canku kin he miye No. 12. He loved traveling to Powwows and visiting with family and friends. He thought the world of his Dakota Language Voices of Our Ancestors students. He was very proud of them and thought of them as his children. He had a lot of pride and hope that his students would learn the language and pass on his teachings. He was especially proud of them when they placed first in the Language bowl in Saint Paul, MN
He is survived by his brothers Tuffy First of Fort Kipp, Eugene (Sylvia) Hale of Saint Michaels, ND, Douglas Siviney of Fort Totten, Merval “Bobo” (Audrey) Sherman of Parshall ND, and Joe (Elaine) Sherman of Fort Totten ND; Sisters, Ruth Wyasket of Fort Duchesne, UT; Special Aunts Karen First Lizotte of Poplar, Ethelene Whitehawk of Brockton, Merle and Flora Hapa, Betsy Mazawasicuna of Sioux Valley MB, Canada, Caroline Johnson of Sioux Valley MB, Canada Yvonne De Paola British Colombia ; Special Kunsi Doreen Johnson of Sioux Valley MB, Canada; Uncles Jerome (Florence) First Jr. of Poplar, Raymond Hapa of Sioux Valley, Canada; Cousins who were like brothers and sisters to him Sheri DeMarrias, Paul and Jeff Azure, Rena Otsby, Wolf Point, Denise (DJ) DeMarrias of Denver CO, Nan and Thomasine Hamilton of Poplar Patti (Chuck) Steen of Minneapolis MN; in Dakota way Hunka sister Sharon Yellow Owl of Poplar; adopted family of Sadie Adams of Wolf Point; Adopted Sisters Lovina Fox of Mandaree ND, Connie Fox Twins of Stillwater OK,; Special Adopted Brother Stevie White of Crow Agency, MT, Steven Barrios of Browning MT; Adopted sisters Lucille Stewart of Lodge Grass MT, Renea Hawley of Billings MT; 2 special cousins, who cared deeply for him and were first to offer help Pricilla Carpenter and Sissy Chopper Nephew Corey Schindler of Wolf Point, Brett First of Fort Duchesne, UT, Kendell First OF Brandon, MB And Kristy Sherman of New Town ND.
He is preceded in death by his parents Reno First and Gladys Mazakahomani Feather of Fort KIpp; paternal grandparents, Nina and Jerome First Sr; maternal grandparents Henry Mazakahomani Feather and Jessie Demarrias; Brother Wayne First; Sister Lois Ann Mazakahomani Feather; Great Kunsi Sarah White; uncles, Dean First, Calvin First, Sr., Abe DeMarrias Sr., Casper DeMarrias; and uncle who he was named after, Wayne DeMarrias; Adopted Sister Georgia Fox of Mandaree ND, Adopted mother Ada White of Crow Agency, MT Adopted Mother Germaine Fox of Mandaree ND, Aunts, Wilma First, Christine First, Winfred First Greybull, Mildred DeMarrias, and Vicky Spotted Bull Azure.
The families of the Perry, Black Dog, Four Bear, Mckay, Wasicuna and White Eagles were his close relatives. He also had many relatives in Sioux Valley, Canumpa Wakpa, Canada, and Fort Totten, ND. If we forgot anyone please forgive us.