In honor of Gabriel Leland DuBois Naada Naxbicci (1952-2023)

The Noble and Respected Veteran ‘Bears Heart’ passed on to join his ancestors on January 2nd, 2023, Leland DuBois was born on January 11th, 1952, in Dickinson, North Dakota. Leland was from the Mandan Hidatsa Nation, with his home being in Mandaree, North Dakota. Leland graduated from Mandaree High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Army from 1970-1972, belonging to the 82nd Airborne division with a record of 13 jumps. Leland’s acts of service also included his years of firefighting and as an EMT for the Fort Belknap reservation in Montana.

In 1982 Leland met Trenda McConnell in Hays, MT had 5 children together and were later married in 1994. In 1984 he started his firefighting career which he did until 2010, he started out as a firefighter and worked his way up to ARR (Area Regional Representative) taking care of all the Native crews for the Fort Belknap. In 2011 he moved his family home to Mandaree where he went to work for the tribe until his retirement in 2014. He began raising his first great grandson which he was very proud of. In 2020 he moved back to Montana to his beloved mountains.

Leland DuBois had a kind heart and good nature; he was always respectful to those around him. He had the ability to make other people feel comfortable and at ease. His years of life reflect his love for his family and the importance he placed on prayer and spirituality. Leland DuBois started sun dancing in Green Grass under Grandpa Frank Fools Crow and was a staff Carrier for the Water Buster clan until the present time.

Our thoughts and prayers go to his dear wife Trenda DuBois and his siblings; Wilhemenia (Tiny) DuBois, Debbie (Monte) Joseph, James DuBois, Patrick DuBois and Terrence Red Fox. As Leland is survived by his children, Steven DuBois, Simone Red Fox, Tonya Fox, Michael Roper, Manuel DuBois, Marissa DuBois, Norman Eli DuBois, Derrick Irwin Jr. Along with his 31 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Leland will be met with his ancestors; his mother, Gabriella Katie (Young Bear) DuBois, his father, Norman DuBois Sr.; brother, Norman "JD" DuBois Jr. and his son Joseph DuBois.

Furthermore, Active Pallbearers include Bradley Mountain, Isaac Fox, Gabriel Fox, Saul Joseph, James DuBois Jr (Jimmy), Tim Werk, Patrick Neil DuBois II, Charles McNutt, Paxton DuBois Derrick Irwin Jr. and Manuel DuBois Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers include; Kenny Danks, Ted Danks, Ed Danks, Kurt Danks, Aaron Abbey, Roger Standish, Garland Likes Eagle, Myron Gwin, William Billy White, Neil Werk, Oly Gray, Monte Joseph, Sam Gardipee, Ronald “Fudd” Stiffarm, Sundance Family, VFW Post 271, VFW Post 9601, VFW Post 253. Senior Pallbearer Walter Deville Sr.