Many Canadians today are mourning the death of an up-and-coming Indigenous actor and artist Taran Kootenhayoo who has passed away.

Kootenyahoo, who was based in Vancouver, died on December 31, on New Year’s Eve, with no cause of death given. He was 27.

The actor was on the verge of “breaking out” and had developed a loyal following in South Etobicoke.

Born in Cold Lake, Alberta and a member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Kootenhayoo attended acting school at Capilano College in Vancouver and graduated in 2015.

He was best known as Niki, a young homeless man looking for his missing sister, in Bella Ciao!, the 2018 indie feature by Director Carolyn Combs about intersecting characters in an east Vancouver multicultural community.

“Our loss is immeasurable. He was a gifted and disciplined collaborator, a warm and generous friend,” the Bella Ciao website mourned in the death of a talented actor.

“Words don’t capture our deep respect and affection for him,” the post stated. “We wish him well on his journey.”

In a 2018 profile for Hollywood North Magazine, Kootenhayoo said he hoped the role of Niki would encourage other Indigenous youth to follow his lead into acting.

“It means that I get to have representation as an Indigenous person in a story that isn’t stereotypical for an Indigenous actor,” he told the magazine. “I’m very glad to be part of it and hopefully inspire other Indigenous youth or anybody else that aspires to do whatever they want and have fun with it.”

Besides a number of screenplays and live theater roles in western Canada, Kootenhayoo also played the character of Remy in the 2018 Canadian TV series Literally, and voiced the role of Randall in the animated fantasy series Molly of Denali.

Section 35, an Indigenous streetwear maker, for which Kootenhayoo modeled its latest fashions, grieved on Instagram. “Creator called a legend home. We love you and you will be missed. Rest in Power Brother.”

The actor was named as a Star to Watch at the Whistler Film Festival in 2018 and earned the Most Promising Newcomer trophy at the Jessie Theatre Awards a year later

“I want him to be remembered for his care for people, the environment and passion for his work,” said his older sister, Cheyanna Kootenhayoo, who performs under the name DJ Kookum.

She has been overwhelmed with the amount of support and tributes for her brother, including a graffiti mural that was painted at a Vancouver skatepark. “I’m just seeing all of the social media stuff and people are sending their condolences. The community is hurt all across the country,” she said.