LAURA (SMALL FACE) GERVAIS "NOONAKI"

Born: August 25, 1942 in Cardston Alberta to Emil Small Face and Olive Davis.

She met and married Floyd Bob Gervais Sr. September 14, 1963 and they were together for 49 years until his passing June 18 2023. They made their home in Browning, Montana. Bob's children were Memory, Floyd "Smokey" Jr., Rodney Fish, Jimmy and Faith. Laura had William Lux, together Bob and Laura's had Cynthia Pam, June, and Thomas Gervais. They also raised Francis "French" Calflooking, LuAnn Minyard, John Minyard, JR Manson, Casey Singer, they also adopted Ed Bob, Melissa and later Colbin and Roxie Gobert, Marissa, Colt and Chazz Rose, along with about 60 other kids from around the rez.

Laura was a beloved educator, language advocate, mentor, and cultural leader whose life's work centered on uplifting students, preserving Blackfeet culture, and strengthening future generations through education. Born and raised on the Blood Reserve in Alberta, Canada, her early years were shaped by both the strength of her family and the hardships of the residential school era. A survivor of that system, she carried forward lessons of resilience, courage, and compassion throughout her life. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she transformed her experiences into a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for future generations grounded in dignity, culture, hope, and language revitalization. She was also a member of the Brave Dog Society.

After moving to the Blackfeet Reservation, Laura made her home for more than fifty years with her beloved husband, the late Floyd "Bob" Gervais Sr. in Browning, whom she deeply cherished. Together, they raised their family and devoted themselves to serving the Blackfeet community. While balancing family life and professional responsibilities, Laura pursued higher education as an adult, earning degrees in education and special education. Her accomplishments reflected the belief that learning is a lifelong journey and that leaning into the culture could help anyone to overcome even the greatest challenges. Laura credited embracing her culture and language with transforming her life and in gratitude she offered her service to others.

Laura Gervais worked for the Blackfeet Nutrition Program and for the state of Montana Welfare program. She Graduated from University of Providence in Great Falls with her Bachelors of Science in Education, later she obtained her Masters in Educational Leadership. She also obtained her degree in Indigenous Mental Health through Red Crow Community College.

Throughout her distinguished career, Laura served as a classroom aide and teacher, principal of Browning Middle School, The Director of Blackfeet Native American Studies, and the Director of Special Education. Laura was tough, intelligent, loved our community and the children. She retired after many years working for Browning Public Schools. She was a tireless advocate for children with special needs and worked to ensure all students had access to meaningful educational opportunities. Colleagues remember her as a thoughtful leader who approached every challenge with wisdom, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Laura was especially passionate about preserving and revitalizing Blackfeet language and culture. She believed that education could not be separated from identity and that students thrive when they understand who they are and where they come from. She often reminded others that language carries history, values, and ways of understanding the world. Through her efforts, Blackfeet language and cultural teachings became more deeply integrated into educational settings she worked in, creating opportunities for young people to strengthen their connection to their heritage.

The values that guided Laura's life and work were honesty, courage, spirituality, kindness, compassion, generosity, and respect; these were evident in all that she did in her service to others, often prioritizing others needs before her own. She believed education should nurture the whole person and that success should be measured not only by academic achievement, but also by character and service to others. As she often reminded students and educators alike, "We must teach our children to be proud of who they are and to carry their culture forward."

Those who knew Laura remember her gentle spirit, unwavering dedication, and ability to inspire others. She was a mentor to educators, a trusted advocate for families, and a source of encouragement for generations of students. Her leadership was grounded in compassion, and she consistently placed the needs of children and community at the center of her work. Her legacy lives on in the students she encouraged, the educators she mentored, the language and traditions she helped preserve, and the countless lives she touched throughout her years of service.

At Blackfeet Community College, Laura served as the coordinator of the Aahsiiks Kookan (Knowledge Carriers Lodge), where she shared her language, cultural knowledge, wisdom, and lifelong experience with students, faculty, and staff. In this role, she was a respected elder, mentor, and cultural resource who helped ensure that Blackfeet ways of knowing remained central to the college's mission. Through her storytelling, guidance, and encouragement, she fostered an environment where students could strengthen their connection to their Blackfeet identity, language, and rekindle traditional values to better their lives. Her work always reflected her enduring belief that education is most meaningful when grounded in culture, community, and the teachings of our ancestors.

As her family, friends, colleagues, and community remember her life, they celebrate a woman who embodied resilience, wisdom, and generosity. Her enduring message remains one of hope, cultural pride, and service. Above all, her lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge demonstrated that education, when grounded in culture and guided by compassion, has the power to transform lives.

The Blackfeet Reservation, the community of Browning, Browning Public Schools, Blackfeet Community College and our Pikuni Nation from both sides of the border are honored to celebrate Laura's remarkable life and legacy and will remember her as a devoted educator, champion for students, keeper of language and culture, respected elder, and valued inaugural coordinator of the Aahsiiks Kookan. Her influence will continue to guide future generations, and her contributions to the Blackfeet people, Blackfeet Community College, and the broader educational community will be remembered with deep gratitude, respect, and affection for years to come.

Laura Gervais is proceeded in death by her parents Emil Smallface, Olive Davis, her sister Dr. Marie Marule Smallface, siblings Emil "mouse" Smallface Jr. Allen Smallface, Hazel Minyard, Peggy Smallface, Elaine Smallface, and Jim Twigg. Her husband Floyd Bob Gervais, children June Gervais, William Lux, Cynthia Pam Gervais, Casey (Jackie) Singer, Rodney Fish (Cheryl) Gervais, her grandsons ED Bob Gervais, Leroy Gervais, John Gervais, Anthony Gervais, Andy and Chance Quenelle, and Saul Blackweasel and great grand daughters Lauren Jo Flammond, and Sienna Manson.

She is survived by her brother Charlie (Marge) Smallface, Smokey Gervais, Memory Quenelle, Jimmy (Susie) Gervais, Faith Gervais, Thomas (Kathy) Gervais. JR (Lisa) Manson, Melissa Gervais and Kolbin & Roxie Gobert, Marissa, Colt and Chazz Rose, Niece Refilwe "Fee", Tsuaki Marule, Debbie Minyard, and Kristen Minyard, and all her numerous grandchildren great grandchildren, nieces and nephews on both of sides of the boarder.