Darlene Speidel

Darlene Speidel was born on Standing Rock Reservation, the Lakota reserve that spans the border between North and South Dakota.  She is the mother of four children –Donnie, Vanessa, Malissa and Jackie. She has 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

Darlene has been a driving force in education for decades.  She worked for more than 40 years in a variety of capacities advancing Indigenous rights and developing policies, programs and content to support Indigenous education, languages and culture.  She started her post-secondary education in 1982 when she received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Black Hills State University in South Dakota.  In 1985 she went on to obtain a master’s degree in Educational Administration through the South Dakota State University.  She has held a variety of different positions with different education organizations in the US and Canada.  She was known as a seasoned educator with expertise ranging from early childhood education to adult education.  In these leadership roles Darlene was responsible for planning, developing, implementing, assessing and evaluating policies, programs and services. 

On top of all this, she is also a published author with more than 25 years of experience in researching, developing, editing, revising, publishing and marketing First Nations content.  She also became a member of Happy Valley Seniors Club of  Stewart Valley. 

It is important to note her contributions.  It was not an easy road for an Indigenous female and she was exceptional in the work she did and remains a strong role model for those that have followed her. 

Darlene Speidel made her journey peacefully on December 17, 2023 at the Cypress Hills Regional Hospital in Swift Current, Saskatchewan surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Following her wishes, her family will have a traditional funeral service on December 21, 2023 at the First United Church in Swift Current, Saskatchewan at 10 .A.M. 

The family asks for donations to Buffalo Boy Productions for flower donations that can be taken to the hall.

Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home.  For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene Speidel, please visit our floral store.