Truma Josephine Ackerman

Truma Josephine Ackerman "Tonia" passed away in Browning on March 12, 2023. She was born to Joe Turtle and Bertha Sharp Ackerman on December 29, 1947. 

Tonia grew up in Frazer and Browning, Mt. She attended Flandreau Boarding school and then received her GED. She briefly attended Barat College in Wake Forest, IL and also Job Corp. Tonia had a strong cultural upbringing which allowed her to use that knowledge in helping educate others in the art of beading, sewing and powwow dancing.

Employed and retired from the Browning Public Schools for 30+ years

Hobbies & memberships (personal interest) Tonia felt her greatest achievement was actively occupying Alcatraz and Wounded Knee during the AIM movement. She taught numerous dance classes at the Blackfeet Community College and Browning Public Schools since the early 1980’s and was a Cultural Consultant and colleague to various groups in Great Falls, Helena and Billings. Tonia made an impact on her community through cultural teachings and spiritual guidance to many students and teachers. She was and still is a mentor to many people throughout the United States and Canada through her love of dancing, beading and sewing.

Preceded in death by: Mother - Bertha Sharp Ackerman, father Joe Turtle, brothers Joe Turtle Jr., Evangeline Turtle, Eugene Ackerman, Wesley ‘Coyote’ Ackerman, Marion ‘Stormy’ Ackerman, Rubin ‘Windy’Ackerman, Willverna ‘Baby Sister’ Ackerman and Rena Turtle.

Survived by her daughters Misty Blue Mesteth and Molly Hunt, adopted daughter Beverly Boe and adopted son Dean Quiring and Stan Whiteman, Sr., grandchildren PeyoteRose and MahpiyaTo Mesteth,  Gionni Stalight Tipps, Jaydean and Jesse Don & many adopted grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Services to be held at the Old Eagle Shields in Browning on March 20th to March 23rd, 2023.

Wake starting March 20, 2023 at Old Eagle Shields - Browning, MT.

Rosary March 22, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Old Shields - Browning, MT

Funeral services March 23 at 10 a.m.at Willow Creek Cemetery - Graveside Services

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