Presley Giiwedin (North Wind) LaFountain, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Belcourt ND, January 30, 1956 - March, 30, 2023.

Presley LaFountain was a huge presence at home and everywhere he went, and he will be missed by many all around Indian Country. He had big smiles for everyone, he had a big heart and an old soul. He was that smiling warrior anticipating adversity and ready for anything. He was a mountain of a man. He had friends and contemporaries who were perhaps bigger in size, status or wealth but he outlasted the many to end up among the very few that defined an era. That era ended as Presley walked on to in his last journey to the spirit world. But those measurements don't define a person, much less a man like Presley LaFountain. He made his own mark while honoring his mentors, he carved out his own domain and influenced others. He was Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and John Trudell all rolled into one. He could be sweet like Jackson Browne or tough like Lucinda Williams.

An artist, a sculptor, a stone carver, a printmaker, an image maker; a father, brother, uncle, and grandfather; a good and loyal friend; a fierce protector and feared enemy; widely respected and loved; beloved by many in Indian Country. He travelled this country coast to coast by motorcycle, muscle car, vintage car and Indian Car. He regaled people he met with tall and true tales, he made instant friends, he had lifelong friends and deeply felt the passing of every close comrade who left this world before him. He could be mean and cantankerous, quick to fight and defend. He tossed out bits of wisdom, knowledge, or advice like tossing cans of beer. Drink as much of it as you could, we all took turns reveling in it, and we could all hurt too much the day after as well for whatever reason. There was always another day, another stone, another piece of art, another road trip, another friend who needed to be talked up or down, a warm couch to crash on or open a can of cold hard truth.

For years people would come to his studio before Indian Market and at first it was sign of respect and anticipation, but it became an issue in later years since it encroached on his production time. He devised ways to deal with the buildup before Market, and then the getaway to relax and recharge. I have fond memories of feeling accepted into his studio after Market with Indian Artists telling their war stories of another Market, sometimes brutal most often fun, sometimes crazy fun and then dealing with assorted pains and rewards. I learned after healing up to start on next year's show right away with all the lessons I just learned from all these artists.

Presley envisioned a stage play or script based on the perspective of the living room couch, all the dozens of friends and apprentices he put to work, all the clients, celebrities, rock and rollers who passed through, all the hundreds of Indians and Artists coming to pay respects to the American Indian Embassy that was his house and the home where his children grew up. He was often called The Mayor of Santa Fe and he held court around town, especially at his booth downtown on Lincoln Street in Santa Fe during Indian Market. He had a couple movie credits and was probably working on a project in the background that he could finally bring out to tell his story.

Presley's friends kept saying he had nine lives when they heard of some accident or incident, and some of that talk stems from the night of June 11, 2002, in Santa Fe NM when he was close to death after being involved in an incident where he was caught up and held outside a vehicle, then dragged for a half mile on city streets. The two men involved were arrested and charged and one served a 4 year sentence. His family considered it a hate crime and the sentence too lenient but typical justice for a Native victim. Presley often said he wanted to put it all behind him, but the injuries lingered, affecting his daily life and artistic output. He was able to thank the UNM Hospital Trauma Department for saving his life after doctors and administrators commissioned him to produce a sculpture that was donated to UNM Hospital. The 12-foot bronze "Generations" stands at the UNM Hospital Healing Garden.

It is with a heavy heart that the story also ends at UNM Hospital where Presley was recovering from a much-anticipated operation that would end recent years of treatment over cancer issues. It seemed like that page would finally be turned and he could recover while contemplating the last chapters of his story starting with working out production cycles, returning home to Turtle Mountain to a semi-retirement and enjoying life with less stress. But something happened that we don't know yet. His family and the UNM Hospital do not yet know if this was a new event, or something lingering from previous surgeries. He was taken off monitors while he awaited for a trip down the hall to be scanned. Instead, there was no notice of any event, and he was found unresponsive. Presley will make that trip home to Turtle Mountain to be with family who will make their final prayers and farewells. His relatives lit a Spirit Fire at Turtle Mountain, and he will soon be embraced by all those family and friends who left before him. Journey well brother and let nothing hinder you on your travels. Our love will hold you high. Your love and memory will keep us strong.

Presley LaFountain was a longtime resident of Santa Fe, he was a renowned stone carver and sculptor who attended the Institute of American Indian Arts and won awards in his long career. He maintained a house in the downtown area where he raised his three children, Saige, Aurah and Samuel with their mother Gloria Goldtooth. Presley was born and raised on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Reservation near Belcourt ND. He was the oldest of ten children raised by Alfred and Stella LaFountain.

Presley is survived by his daughter, Aurah LaFountain; his sons, Saige LaFountain and Samuel LaFountain. Granddaughter, Nenah LaFountain. Grandsons, Animikii LaFountain and Giizhig LaFountain. Survived by Sisters: Sheila (Ken) Davis of Belcourt, ND. Dana (Ricky) Thomas of Belcourt, ND. Michelle (Tracy W.) LaFountain of Belcourt, ND. Survived by Brothers: Perry & (Judy) LaFountain of Belcourt, ND. Alfred LaFountain JR. of Belcourt, ND. Bruce LaFountain of Santa Fe, NM. Stuart (Teri) LaFountain of Belcourt, ND. Presley was blessed with a large loving Family, with many Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Numerous life long friends throughout The Art Community.

Presley was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and M.Stella LaFountain, Sisters, April LaFountain and Janelle LaFountain.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 1:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a visitation beginning at 9:00 AM and Rosary Service at Noon prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will be in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in the spring. Father Michael Slovak presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.