Tashuga Saba (His Black Horse), our teacher, storyteller, timekeeper, historian, researcher, and cultural/spiritual leader left Makonaxdaga (Earth) to continue his spiritual journey on February 17, 2024.
Kenneth Edmond Ryan was born October 8, 1943, at Chicken Hill (Shiyo Baha). His parents were Thomas Ryan Jr. and Agnes Jackson Ryan. His sisters were Joy Ryan Payne, Cleo Ryan, Charity Ryan, Bernadine Ryan, and Beatrice Ryan. His grandparents were Thomas Ryan Sr. and Susie Baker Ryan. He was raised by his parents, grandparents, other family, and the community members of Shiyo Baha. He was raised to be Wadopana and Nakona. He was a proud member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Tribes.
In 1969, Tashunga Saba met, fell in love, and married beautiful Sylvia Stanley from Rocky Boy, Montana. They met at the Rocky Boy pow wow and have been inseparable since. For the past fifty-five years, they have spent their lives together as best friends.
Tashunga Saba graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1962. He served in the United States Army from 1965-67. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Weber State University in 1975 and received a Master of Human Services from the University of Great Falls in 1998. In 1995, Tashunga Saba was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of Montana. He was bestowed this degree for his work on the Assiniboine language orthography and curriculum.
Tashunga Saba devoted his life to serving Native American communities throughout the country. Over the years, he has worked for the Administration of Native Americans (ANA), Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Indian Health Service (IHS). In addition, Tashunga Saba has served the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, as an elected Tribal Council member and as Chairman of the Tribes from 1985-1987. In every work capacity, Tashunga Saba sought to ensure Native Americans had access and support for Federal, tribal, and state programs.
Tashunga Saba contributed to many great initiatives throughout his life. The outcomes of his work are evident in our community. Not only was Tashunga Saba a pipe carrier and lodge maker, but he was also at the forefront of establishing the Fort Peck Community College. He was the second Indigenous person to create an orthography for a heritage language. He authored twenty-three Assiniboine lessons. He worked to develop Native American language courses in Native spirituality, language, and culture. His final work was assisting his granddaughter, Mahu in creating Nakona University, which is an online Nakona I?abi (Assiniboine language) school for children and adults. Tashunga Saba was currently serving as the Vice-Chairperson since its establishment
in 2022. His life’s work was monumental. He was innovative and progressive. His work will live on forever.
Other life accomplishments include his work which led to bringing back the bones of our relatives from the Board school era. In 2013, Tashunga Saba accepted the Fort Peck Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the Fort Peck Tribes. In 1994, he was the Ceremonial Leader on behalf of the American Indian College Fund in Rome Italy. There he met the Pope and conducted a pipe ceremony. He conversed with world leaders. These are a few of Tashunga Saba’s life work. We have been blessed with a truly amazing human being.
Tashunga Saba is survived by his wife, Sylvia Ryan, his daughters Traci (Franklin) Caplette and Kimberly Ganade, granddaughter, Maia Henderson (Kyle Herrera), and grandson Trey (Ceyara) Henderson, and great-grandsons Julius Herrera, Trysten Henderson, and Colter Henderson. He is survived by his sister Joy Payne’s children who include Susie Symington and family, Carl Payne’s family, Cleo Payne MacDonald and family, Tom Payne’s family, John’s Payne family, Gloria Payne and family, and Faith Tallwhiteman and family. He is survived by his special granddaughter, Sylvia Long Knife, Sister in law Ethel Parker (Alfred) and her children Ivy (Ty) Watson and their children Taryn, Tia, Tyann, and Chase Watson, Darwin (Penny) Parker, Nolan(Michele) Parker, Thelma Nault (Tim) and their sons Daniel Nault (Jayde) Nault and their children Jessa, Jaiden, and Quint, and Timothy (Rikki) Nault Jr., and their daughters Tailin and Tivaya.
He is preceded in death by his son, Knu owada, his grandparents Tom Ryan Sr. and Susie Baker Ryan; parents, Tom Ryan Jr., and Agnes Ryan; sisters Joy Ryan Payne, Cleo Ryan, Charity Ryan, Bernadine Ryan, and Beatrice Ryan, nephews Carl Payne, John Payne, Tom Payne, his great grandson, Ryan Payne, brother-in-law Layton Payne, nephew Alfred J. Parker, Brother in laws Daniel Stanley, Ken Stanley, and Stephen Stanley and special friend Melvin Gopher.
Tashunga Saba relatives include all of his Medicine Lodge family and the Nakona Oyadebi from all across the world.
To All his extended families and close relatives and friends, we apologize if we have missed you in our acknowledgments
dagu ungichiyabi- We are all related.
“Mitugashi, you will live forever.”
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 20, 2024
New Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Mikel Renee Sansaver says
Prayers & condolences to all the family and his community. 🪶🪶🦅🪶🪶
Linda says
Charismatic inspirational leader. I will miss you Kenny. Vaya Con Dios
Lance FourStar says
Nekshi Tashunga Saba, thank you for all you have taught me while you were here. I look forward to joining you and our relatives on the other side when it is my time too. The Assiniboine way of life is alive and well thanks to your efforts on the earth. My prayers, respects and condolences to Aunt Sylvia Ryan now and in the coming months. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything at all. 701-339-5050. Pinamiyayeno Nekshi.
Jan Hartmann says
Prayers go out to all family and friends 🙏🙏🙏
Benny Burshia says
Our condolences and prayers to the Ryan family.
Florence Garcia says
My prayers and condolences to Ken’s family, especially Sylvia. He was a well-respected and honorable, cultural Assiniboine leader. My sister Patty worked for him when he was Tribal Chairman. He always worked for the people and he will be missed.
Jerri lynn smoker says
Condolences from the Smoker family. He was a very gifted man and will be missed.
Agnes Moran says
Sylvia sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. He was such a nice and caring man. Remember the days way back when I worked with him. He was so understanding and caring and will never forget those days. Our prayers are with you and all the family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Pauline Azure feuvray says
Ken now resides in heaven with all his family and friends and relatives. He accomplished much in life. May he have peace and rest. He will have many people to visit. God bless the family.
Vonda Beauchman Brewster says
We are so sorry. Kenneth was our spiritual leader in the Emma Beauchman family. He bestowed many of our grandchildren with their native names which each of them hold and honor in their hearts. Our love goes out to his family. We will miss your guidance but we know you will always be with us.
Grandma Patt says
I love you dear Ken and dear beautiful Sylvia. Our hearts are broken today. God is with you both forever. You are safely home now dear beloved relative Ken. Doksha ake waciya kink’te mi akicita siceshi Tashunga Saba. I Love you all from Sister Patt 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Tim/Iva Zimmerman says
Sylvia, condolences to the family. I had the honor of working with him during his term as Chairman and after. Prayers to you and your family! 🧡🧡🧡🧡
Rich Peterson says
Rest easy Ken. I’ll miss visiting you and won’t forget being on the trip to Washington DC to unveil the treaty at the Smithsonian.
Fred McGeshick, Jr. says
Rest in Peace Mr. Ryan. In life you fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Condolences for his wife and family ❤️ I will remember your honesty, goodness and love in the Creator.
Twilia Bear Cub says
I informed my father, Rusty Stafne. He shook his head and said he is where we all want to be . Our condolences to Sylvia. Prayers for family.
Trivian Young Bear Nault says
Sincere Condolences and prayers go out to Sylvia and Ken’s families. I was blessed to have known Mr. Ryan during his tenure as the Ft. Peck Agency’s Administrative Officer; he was my direct Supervisor and I the Personnel Clerk. He again was my Supervisor during his tenure as Tribal Chairman, and I the Administrative Assistant of the office of Personnel. He was a fair and honest Supervisor; a highly educated professional who led by example. His traditional teachings were first and foremost when dealing with individuals, community members, dignitaries of other Tribes, Congress and dignitaries of other Countries. He was a humble and kind individual, and a good leader. Thank you Mr. Ryan for your leadership and guidance. Journey well.
Nancy Sietsema says
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr Ryan. He was such a wonderful caring person and I learned so much in his Native American studies classes at FPCC. Fly high Mr Ryan 🦅🪶🦅🪶
Curtis Courchene says
From the Courchene Families it was certainly a pleasure knowing your deep and sincere endeavors concerning your fellow human beings ❤️👍
Stephen Munford (Eagle Elk) says
Condolences to Kenny’s family and friends and all from Fort Belknap and Fort Peck. He touched my family with love and teaching us the creators ways on how to live. He’s with my father Jack Plumage, Uncle Emery Gray, Aunt Lenore Stiffarm, Jesse James Hawley, Bob Swan, Gill Horn, and so many others who have left to the other side. We will all miss him but he will always be remembered in our lodges and hearts. ❤️
His nephew Eagle Elk
Jason Payne says
I always look at how many people the deceased must have known and been able to leave an impression with. Funny story he always called me grandson but after listening to Grandma Gladys Jackson I called him Uncle! I was always JP when he would see me. We will miss much an influencful elder. Welcome home, Uncle Kenny!
Charlie Bear says
Condolences to the family RIP ken
Judy Holum says
Knowing Ken has been an honor for me. Our friendship spans many years, from before he was Tribal Chairman, until present. His knowledge, and willingness to share it with me, was always a new adventure. Our conversations covered just about everything, from goat man to him always asking about my son and his family–and lots in between. I received my first star quilt from Ken, while he was Tribal Chairman. Even as his health started to fail, he still had a spark for life and shared wisdom and knowledge. Ken will be missed, by many. Rest in Peace, Ken….you’ve earned it. Sylvia, my thoughts and prayers are with you still. Judy
Carolyn and Buddy Adams says
Our condolences to his wife, Sylvia, and family. Thank you for your service, and to the Fot Peck Tribes, for all that you helped accomplished.
Renita Longknife says
Love and condolences to Sylvia and family. My late father Hamilton Longknife called Ta Shuga Saba his nephew. So I called him brother. He gave me my Nakona name. He taught me to be grateful and humble as a Nakona Wiya. He leaves a great legacy of teaching, history and language to our Assiniboine people. He will be greatly missed.
Brenda Lucas Hood says
Sending our deepest condolences to all the family. Our hearts are heavy hearing of Kenny’s passing.
It was such an honor to see Kenny this past October, and will treasure the story’s and teachings that he shared with me. He was so respected and loved by so many, and will be missed dearly by all. Sending all our love, prayers and strength to the family. 🪶❤️🙏🏼
Brenda Lucas Hood & Logan Hood
Dacia Lucas Clark and family
Gary Medicine Cloud Jr says
Medicine Cloud family from Wyoming want to send our condolences. He was a member of our family!
Jordis Ferguson says
Condolences to Sylvia and family. We were blessed to have you guys in our lives. Hugs my friend 🧡
Kathy Sutherland says
My condolences and prayers to Sylvia at this heart felt moment.
Ramona says
Ramonahenderson139@yahoo.com r
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to the family, friends and community of Tashunga Saba. His deep compassion for all, born out of Nakona culture is an inspiration to all. Although he is not physically present with us, his vision, teachings, and love survive. These gifts will not perish. May all who grieve be healed by the sure knowledge that Tashunga Saba, is with the Creator and all who have passed over. Lifting all relations up in prayer.
Ann Baker says
My sincere condolences to the family, friends and community…such a loss…
Rob, Carrie Manning says
Sending my sincere condolences. May you travel well Dr Ryan. You will be missed! Keeping the family in prayer during this time. God Bless you all.
Rob and Carrie Manning
Fr Peter Guthneck says
To Sylvia and family
My prayer is with you as you continue on.
My prayer is with Ken as he continues on.
I give thanks to God for all the gifts that Creator offered to Ken and trusted that he would receive, carry, and pass on to all of us.
Thank you, Ken, for your gentle, humble, generous sharing with us what you received from our Creator.
May you continue to come to us with Good News to help us in our walkon this earth.
Until we meet again, Peace
Father Pete Guthneck of Rocky Boy
Judy Holum says
Knowing Ken has been an honor for me. Our friendship spans many years, from before he was Tribal Chairman, until present. His knowledge, and willingness to share it with me was always a welcome adventure. Our conversations covered many topics. I received my first star quilt from Ken, while he was Chairman. Even as his health started to fail, he still had a spark for life and shared his wisdom and knowledge. Ken will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, Ken…you’ve earned it. Sylvia, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Judy
Janet Runnion says
A real class act. It was an honor to know and work with him. He will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to Sylvia and family.
Evetta Two Bulls says
Sylvia and family,
Sending our heartfelt condolences 😢. Prayers for comfort and strength during this sad and difficult time.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Cissy Eagleman & family says
Rest easy My Little Father.
Aunt Sylvia, my heart, prayers and thoughts are with you always. I love you both.
To the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all the many many friends…prayers go out to you all.
You shall forever remain the wonderful person you always have been. I will miss you.
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to Sylvia and family. My thoughts and prayers are send to you all.
Tuffy- Lodge Pole Mt says
Aunt Sylvia,
Thank you for sharing uncle with the people. His walk upon Earth has left footprints all over the earth. His wisdom and love have left imprints in the hearts of many. Love you always Aunty.
Marianne Cohen says
Our sincerest condolences to Sylvia and all of his family. His greatest gift is that he gifted his knowledge to future generations. Thank you for keeping the Assiniboine language alive. We will be forever grateful. May you travel well and find peace Dr. Ryan.
With love,
Marianne Chamberlain Cohen and the Packineau families
Janice Stone says
I graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1962 as well, and we were classmates. I left to go to college and did not have much contact with him after that part of our lives. However, I will always have wonderful memories of the young man Kenny was who I respected and deeply admired for the way he loved his culture and people. His attitude of pride in who he was brought out the best in all of us.
Looking back on my growing up years in Wolf Point, Montana brings many warm memories and I am grateful for that time in my life.
Ken told me of his grandfather, Chief Joshua Wetsit. Is this correct? I didn’t read about that in his obituary.
Buck Elk Family says
Condolences from the Buck Elk families. Our father/grandfather from the Henry (Nancy) Buck Elk Sr family served with Ken on the Tribal Board in the 80’s. May his journey to paradise be peaceful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pidamaya🪶Mahalo🌸
Charlotte Kelley says
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of Ken’s passing. He was a person who shared much of his knowledge with our people and many others! He was a humble and generous man as he lived his life. He will be truly missed and remembered. He was like a member of our family. My mother and he always conversed in Nakoda! That always made her happy. My heartfelt condolences go out to Sylvia and family. He is a warrior going home!
Eric Bruguier says
Condolences and prayers from Bruguier family. Kenny will be missed from this earth, Assiniboine speakers are getting fewer on reservation, but Kenny left a language for younger youth to move forward in life. Thank you for all help you have give to families.
Richard WhiteOwl III says
My condolences to the family of His Black Horse
Bob Parsley says
So sorry to hear about Ken’s passing! My most sincere condolences to Ken’s family!
Fred A. Buckles, Jr. says
My sincere sympathy to Sylvia, family, relatives, and friends of Kenny. When I received word about Kenny’s passing, it left me with an empty feeling. Kenny and I first met when he was 8yrs old and I was 6yrs old. I had traveled with my grandparents, Jim and Agnes Brown from Wiota to Chicken Hill, so they could visit with Tom and Susie Ryan. While the elders visited, Kenny and I went outside and walked around the area and got to know each other. He became like a older brother to me and always looked out for. After we grew up and moved on in life, each time we did meet, it was always heart warming to see each other and enjoy remembering our childhood days. Kenny’s passing is a deeply personal loss for me. It’s a lonely feeling to lose a childhood friend (brother), one who really knew and cared about my well-being. As I share this, since his passing, I have been able to find comfort thinking about Kenny, and know that he was a good, kind, and loving person to me and all who came into his life. I will surely miss Kenny, but I can go on with good memories of him, as well as many of you.
Kenny, may you truly be at peace and in the presence of your departed ancestors and relatives.
Thank you for being my brotherly friend.
Karren Baird-Olson and Shawn Olson says
Thank you for all you did for our people. Thank you for guiding our family and giving us hope and peace through times of sorrow.
Peter Mataira says
Arohanui ki to whanau (much love to the family). It was with great sadness to learn of the passing of Dr. Kenneth Ryan, Tashunga Saba. I was so honored to have met him through an invitation extended to attend an Indigenous gathering in San Francisco in 2012 (Mahalo nui Kim for giving me the opportunity). A group of us spent 3 amazing days together and I learnt what many of you already know; that your father, grandfather, husband, brother and uncle was a great and inspirational storyteller who loved his Assiniboine culture, history, and people. He was particularly concerned about the challenges of isolation, lose of identity, and loss of faith growing among many young Native/Indigenous people today. When Dr. Ryan found out that I was Maori, from Aotearoa New Zealand, he embraced me and became deeply emotional as his paid respect to my ancestors who he held in the highest regard as ocean-going navigators. He was so gracious and I was so humbled. He wanted to know so much about my people, about the Polynesian migration, and about the courage and faith it must have took to venture with assurance and certitude into the vast unknown – to go beyond horizons of one’s mountains and plains. I will never forget Dr. Ryan’s kindness and his wisdom. As we say in my language when we lose a great leader it is like the falling of a mighty tree in the forest, “Kua hinga te Tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne’ (The Tōtara in the great forest of God, Tāne Mahuta, has fallen). Rest in peace Dr. Ryan. Mauriora.
Neva says
I am so saddened to have just learned the loss of Ken. It was so unlike him to not respond to my emails that I googled his name and found out that he has continued his spiritual journey.
He was a mentor, a friend, a teacher and a father to me. He shared his wisdom generously and freely over the decades.
I met him when he was working in DC. His love and support helped me tremendously throughout my life and his words of wisdom continue to inform me in how I live and how I parent my boys.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have had the chance to know him as he passed through this life as he impacted my life so profoundly.
I miss you and send my condolences to all who know and love him.