Elder Vera Potts: A life rooted in prayer

The respected Piikani Elder, Mrs. Vera Potts, is also a parishioner of St Paul’s, Brocket. This humble and wise elder lost both parents at a young age, has survived the loss of her husband and one of her three children, and has shown her fortitude and faithful commitment to the Piikani people through over 60 years of service as a Community Health Representative. Vera is also a leader in her parish community, having volunteered in many capacities, including as a catechist and parish council member, and she has offered countless prayers in Blackfoot and in English.  

As a child, residential school on the reserve was a hardship for Vera, away from her home and loved ones.  On days with good weather when her mother might be able to visit, she would beg her, “If you can’t stay here, I will go home with you…” But it was not to be. “I’d be so lonely. I don’t know how many nights I cried myself to sleep. I fell asleep thanks to prayer.”  

Vera received her traditional foundations of spirituality, culture, language, and values from her grandmothers, “on both sides – on my dad’s side and on my mum’s side… I tried to get as close as I could to them as they would pray in a circle; everyone in the house had to join in the circle. We said the rosary every day; they really inspired me with praying.” No surprise that St. Anne is one of Vera’s favourite saints.

Vera worked in the Piikani Nation Health department since 1962; she saw that her people needed help, and she needed to be out there. She made a commitment to her work, and nothing could stop her, not even the worst winter weather.  From laundry, cooking, cleaning and caring for patients and medical staff alike, Vera helped in every way possible. She completed her studies in community health at Portage College in Lac La Biche and continued to work full-time as a Community Health Representative until recently.  Pandemics raged, from tuberculosis to whooping cough to covid – but caring for all who came into the health clinic in Piikani provided many opportunities for Vera and her helping hands.  

When Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited St. Paul's in Alberta, Vera was blessed to meet this living saint.
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More recently, Vera was also blessed to meet Pope Francis “eye-to-eye” when she joined the offertory procession during his Mass in Edmonton in 2022. As she shares, “I’ve had some great experiences in my life – thanks to Our Lord Jesus.” When asked what message she would like to give to young people, she says, “ I would like them to feel safe, to feel secure, to trust, to pray, at any time, any place, anywhere. Our Lord God has many names and many homes; I want you to be one of those who prays.”

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Written by Barbara Smith, from an interview with Piikani Elder Vera Potts, September 15, 2026, at St. Paul's Rectory, Brocket, as part of Stories from our Elders: Walking together on the path of truth, justice, healing, reconciliation, and hope.