Josiah Tay Rowland Middle Rider, whose Blackfeet name is “Ksiki’miioo’taatsis” (White Horse Rider) is a direct descendant of Chief Little Dog. On his Cheyenne side, he is a direct descendant of Chief (Dull Knife) Morning Star. He was born on June 23, 2004, to Gena Middle Rider and Johnny Ray Rowland. We were blessed to have him until June 26, 2023. He grew up on Otter Creek with his beloved Grandparents Ken and Pam Kania until he graduated 8th grade. He spent the last six years under the watchful care of his Uncle Gary Middle Rider Jr. and Lisa Old Mouse. He was a proud Ashland Bronc through the 8th grade and graduated a Broadus Hawk in 2022. Learning the traditions and staying true to his Northern Cheyenne and Blackfeet culture was important to Josiah. He took in as much knowledge as he could from those who came before him and yearned to share it with those who came after. Cowboying was a favorite way to spend his spring and summer as he’d be quick to jump on a branding crew and help out any way that he could. He wasn’t afraid to get dirty, work hard, and have fun all at the same time. His friends would say that he was the first to step up and offer a helping hand and was the last to stop working.

When he was young, he was often comforted by his sister Kaya singing to him and snuggling up in arms of his big brother Christian when he couldn’t fall asleep in their new house. Josiah often talked with his sister Emonda about how much he admired his Grandpa Ken for his service in the Army and wanted to be a part of something bigger; inspiring his dreams of joining the military. Combining his admiration of his Grandpa’s service with his love of cowboying, “Josey,” as he was affectionately known to his friends (“Big Juicy” to his Blackfeet family) started out his branding career in skinny jeans, combat boots, and a man bun – ready to work!

Josiah talked a big talk, but he had a soft spot for kids, especially his nephew Isaiah. He made a point to be a part of all his special moments and took the time to teach him and be the uncle to Isaiah that Gary was to him. Spending time together, learning from his uncle, walking in the mountains of his family’s home on the Blackfeet Reservation with his brother Christian and uncle Gary brought a peace to Josiah’s life that he craved.

Josiah had a warrior’s spirit; he was proud, brave, strong and honorable. He fought for the smile on his face and the peaceful joy in his heart. He was a protector and made it his business to stand up for anyone he believed was being treated wrongly. He chose to love big; he chose to live big; he chose to be for others what he needed for himself. He never met someone who found him unlikable, although he relished the opportunity to irritate people, especially his teachers, but they all loved him! He made himself at home wherever he was; he made friends into family. Holding a very special place in his heart was his wrestling family, his football family, and his classmates. The Broadus community embraced Josiah and he knew he was loved.

On his Blackfeet side, Josiah is survived by his uncle, Gary Middle Rider Jr. (Lisa Old Mouse), his grandmothers, Pam Kania and Barbara Middle Rider, his mother Gena Middle Rider (Robert Carreon), uncles Steve Middle Rider and Nick Garcia, siblings Emonda Middle Rider (Johnny Rodriguez), Kaya Middle Rider (Andrew Hughes), Christian Middle Rider, Chasen Carreon, Gabrielle Middle Rider, Catlin Tom Middle Rider, Naato’Aakii Middle Rider; nephew Isaiah Dennis, nieces Kehlani and Sonora Rodriguez. On his Blackfeet side he is survived by the Middle Rider, Little Dog, Spotted Bear, Yellow Kidney, Little Mustache, Comes At Night, Racine, Guardipee, Crawford, Spearson, Mad Plume families and preceded in death by his grandpa Ken Kania, grandpa Gary Middle Rider Sr., great-grandpa Floyd Middle Rider Sr., uncles Jerry Middle Rider, “Little” Floyd Middle Rider, Levi Middle Rider, aunt Marie Striped Squirrel.

On his Cheyenne side he is survived by his Great-Grandparents Delores Yellow Eyes and Emma Homer, Grandparents Victoria (Michael) Bearcomesout, Grandmother, Vicki Seminole his father, Johnny Ray Rowland, uncles Wamblee Rowland and Raylin Rowland, aunts Lujuana (Lafe) Haugen, Darcie Rowland, and Andrea Demery. His siblings include Jerray, Tazia, LaRaya, Jerell Rowland, Tyranny Rowland, Azazel Killsnight and Andrew Foote, Kya, and Christian. Josiah was blessed with fifteen 1st cousins, brothers and sisters in the Cheyenne way, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Eugene M. Rowland. Josiah’s Cheyenne family was also very large and also includes the Rowlands, Seminoles, Pretty Boy, Bordeaux, Leftwich, Sooktis, Smalls, Yellow Eyes, Fox, Whitedirts, and Gondors. Too numerous family members to mention, but they also include the Wolf Creek and Pine Ridge, SD areas.

In some way, Josiah touched the life of everyone he came across, leaving a part of him that will never be forgotten. He was a son, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a brother, a cousin, and most of all a friend. He is missed beyond measure. Ride on cowboy. In the words of Josiah, “Glad you got to see me!”

Journey well and fast across the wolf trail (Milky Way), your ancestors await you in the happy hunting grounds.

Service Schedule

Traditional Wake

6:00 p.m.

Sunday July 2, 2023

Middle Rider Residence

Otter Creek, Montana

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m. Monday July 3, 2023

Powder River High School Gymnasium

500 Trautman Ave

Broadus, Montana 59317

Interment

Following the funeral service

Monday July 3, 2023

Willow Crossing Cemetery

Otter Creek, Montana