November 21,1981-November 21,2004

Chris was one of a kind, a product of his raising. Also known as Olson, but preferred to be called Chris. Everyone knew Chris in their own way. We all agree, he was there when you needed him, He helped, he gave, he advised, he passed knowledge down to the younger generations. He was a dancer, singer, scout, brother, son, but most of all he was our friend and he was there.

 He was always ready to help out, and even more willing to play. He was right at your side, whether you needed a role of duct tape, an awning, or just a hand. He shared tips on outfit making and design, and offered advice for your outfit, whether you wanted it or not. It seemed that there was always room in his tipi for you. Always room in his truck for you and your things,  always had time to talk to you. He'd rather sing at powwow, then get home at a decent hour. If he had to choose between work and powwow, he found a way around it, and did both. He never seemed unhappy if he was around friends, at powwow, or singing.

The following are pictures and memories of Chris;

"My favorite memory  had to be driving with him. We seemed to do it a lot. He'd go out of his way (by a couple hours) to pick me up for powwow, and it would always take longer to get to powwow than it was supposed to. We would just talk forever, which often caused us to miss our exit and spend more time driving.. We would talk about every most of the time saying "My butt hurts" or "I see fine" or just about outfits, or how much fun we had. Chris did a lot for me, taught me to hoop, picked me up from work, gave me beadwork to do,  but my favorite had to be driving." ~Erika
The first time Sarah saw Chris dance traditional: "He wasn't used to wearing the monstrosity that was his bustle. AS we stood waiting for Grand Entry, I called him. As he turned Amy shouted "BUSTLE AWARENESS" and ducked. He looked behind him and turned slowly. When asked Amy explained that Olson was not used to wearing a bustle and that by shouting "BUSTLE AWARENESS" it would prevent him from smacking innocent bystanders with his monstrosity. After that, whenever he turned, either Amy or I would yell, "BUSTLE AWARENESS" ' ~Sarah
My birthday always falls on the DeUnDaGa weekend  and  the kids always do something...one time AJ baked a cake and  brought it all the  way.  But the DeUnDaGa that I was Head Lady  Dancer that was my favorite.   They called me over to Chris’ truck  and there was Chris grinning about  the Angel Food Cake and Big Vats of  Strawberries and Whip Cream that were all  lined up in the back of his  truck...we all made strawberry shortcakes and ate  and ate....but then  Chris asked me what to do with the leftovers...There was  no cake left  but Chris rummaged and came up with 2 spoons for Travis and I.    We each held a container one of strawberries one of whipped  cream...this  worked for about 2 spoons then we just dumped the  strawberries into the  whipped cream. It’s Strawberry Mousse!!! All the  while we sat on Chris’ truck  and ate...turns out it was Chris’ idea  for the whole dessert!  I wouldn’t  have gotten thru the weekend  without all the help from him totally set up my  give-away and making  sure that I had no worries... ~mom

"Whatchu talkin' bout?"