Dozens of vehicles lined the streets just off Highway 547 in Siksika Nation as residents gathered to honour Clifton Saddleback and Trayton Runningbird.
Both men were killed in a hit-and-run on Saturday (July 26) off the same road where the vigil was held. The vigil was attended by the men's friends, families, and loved ones.
"He was an incredible father and partner to three beautiful children and the love of his life," said Antaya Cardinal, Runningbird's cousin. "His love for family was so strong. Everything he did was for them."
The vigil included a prayer and a grass dance performed by Cardinal's husband, as Runningbird had always dreamed of reigniting his passions as a grass dancer.
"He was the one you could get into a conversation with, and it could go on and on," added Cardinal. "He never left any family BBQ, birthday, or get-together without saying I love you."
Following the speeches, attendees observed a moment of silence as they lit their candles.
"He never said goodbye, only 'see you later', because he believes, deep down, that we don't really say goodbye in this life. That even if we're apart for a long time, we will meet again," said Cardinal. "That belief gives us strength now, and even though our hearts are heavy, we hold on to that. We hold onto his laughter, his kindness, and the love he gave so freely."
"So, today we don't say goodbye, we say: see you later."
A man has been charged in the hit-and-run that took the lives of Runningbird and Saddleback. The man remains in custody with a court date set in Drumheller.
Another woman was injured in the hit-and-run. She remains in hospital in critical condition.