Troy was raised by Donald and the late Beatrice Big Swallow. He loved his dad/grandpa Donald so very much and treasured all of the things that he taught him as he was growing up.

Troy knew from the day he was born that he was going to be an artist and a choreographer, when he was young, he used to make up shows and plays and would sing to his sister Angie. He would make Angie his audience and perform his shows, Angie would jump, cheer and clap, giving a standing ovation and Troy would be bowing, blowing kisses and thanking everyone. He told Angie, “Just watch, I am going to be rich and famous!” Troy and Angie were 2 peas in a pod. When you saw Troy, right by his side would be Angie. One time Troy went to school and Agnie followed him. She was so young, and she wasn’t ready to be in school but there she was, with her ponytail, looking into the classroom window.

Troy really loved his siblings, nieces and nephews. He always loved being the big brother and the favorite uncle. He tried really hard to be there for them and had a relationship with each and every one in their own way. He loved the fact that his nephews did Rodeo and hockey and how they became strong young men. Troy loved Brandon Lewis as if he was his own son and was so proud to see him grow into a fine young man and all of his accomplishments.

He loved to hear his nieces Tristen and Naddi sing with their beautiful voices and musical talent. Troy traveled all over Canada with his Mom Celestine right by his side. When Troy moved to Toronto he met up with his U of L friend, Erin Palmer and she introduced him to his adopted mother Katherine who helped show him around.

Troy always believed in his traditional ways. He liked to be at the Aagugaatsis and bring his artist friends to meet his family. His Dad’s, Pat and Raymond, would sit there and tell them stories. He would show them ways about the Aagugaatsis and their traditions. He loved nature and the outdoors, with his two favorite places being in nature and any theater.

He established his career path into Theater and Dance, choreographing numerous events for family and students. Troy graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1992. He received a diploma in Theater Arts from Keyano College in Fort McMurray and then received a Bachelor in Visual Arts at the University of Lethbridge. He went on to achieve a Master’s in dance studies from York University in Toronto. He them relocated back to Calgary in 2012 to help in the creation of Making Treaty 7 & Quest Theatre “We Are All Treaty People”. One or more of Twigg’s works, including Iitahpoyii, “They Shoot Buffalo, Don’t They?”, Dancing The Universe in Flux, Pulse, and Static, have been performed nationally and internationally. Troy also taught classes on Indigenous performing arts at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre, the University of Lethbridge, the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

A Queer Elder, Troy opened the path for First Nation 2 spirit young men and women to pursue their artistic dreams. His legacy of creation, collaboration & cultural connection will inspire for generations. Troy valued Traditional ways and always attended the annual Akokatssin (Big Camp). In his last days, friends, colleagues, relations as well as the Camp societies remembered him in prayers, leaving the trust in Napinatosi: "for we are here for only a time." The family is grateful for all the blessings.

Troy was born in Cardston, Alberta on May 6, 1972 and he is survived by his parents Patrick (Delia) Twigg and Celestine Many Bears/Twigg; sisters Angie (Kenny) Creighton, Candace (Lee) Many Guns Brass, JoJo (C.W.) Flammond, Amanda (Joey) Flammond, M Candace (Charles) Shade, Paula (Peter) Smith, Kenda (Phil) Kraaij, Jacinta (Loredan) Marina, Tanya Many Bears; brothers Quincy “Boss” Twigg, Garret (Autumn) Smith, Todd (Chassity) Many Bears, Yjowzeh Many Bears, Corwin Many Bears; great uncle Peter (Wanda) Weasel Head; uncles Winston Many Bears, Leonard “Grizz” Many Bears, Warner (Debbie) Many Bears, Edmund Many Bears, Tony (Jennifer) Many Bears, Randy (Gail) Many Bears, Ivan (Donna) Many Bears, Albert and Curtis (Lisa) Big Swallow, Olin (Arlene) Young Pine, Vernon (Florence) Young Pine; aunties Raylene (James) Young Pine, Faye Young Pine, Adeline Smith, Rosella Many Bears, Delores (John) Ground, Monica (Eric) Plaited Hair, Collette Big Swallow, Lucille Big Swallow; nieces and nephews Ellie (Michael), Jason (Teagan), Brandon, Kassie, Landon, Amber, Siipiohkiitopii, Laredo, Hailey (Kyle) Ronnal (Leander), Taylor (Kevin), Jo Ann (Jonathan), Maggie Joe, Maddie Jo, Tye (Jade), Tristen (Chanel), Charize, Jude, Gio, Ethan, Gracelyn, Zoe, Rogue, Rain, Sky, Cloud, Thunder, Rosie, Naddie, Sootaa, Zack, Patrick; extended families Many Bears, Weasel Head’s, Big Swallows, Young Pines, Twigg’s, Hind Bull’s, Cotton’s, Eagle Bears, Weasel Moccasins, Chief Calf’s, Vielle’s, Wings, Bottles, Fox’s and Oka’s.

 Troy was predeceased by his grandparents Beatrice Big Swallow, Jack and Margaret Many Bears, Raymond & Kathleen Young Pine; great grandparents Mokakin and Poona Weasel Head, James and Lucy Twigg; aunts and uncles Teasea Fox, Frank Weasel Head, Moses Weasel Head, Charlie Weasel Head, Patrick Weasel Head, Mildred Weasel Head, Mike Oka, Gertrude Fox, Mary Twigg, Jim & Celina Twigg, Albert  & Philomena Twigg, Eugene &  Evelyn Twigg, Dan & Ada Weasel Moccasin, Pete & Ada Weasel Moccasin; Margaret  & Morris Hind Bull, Ann Shouting-Hart, Dorothy Big Swallow, Leslie “Big Foot” Big Swallow, Don Twigg, Delores Big Swallow, Oliver Shouting, Bruno Many Bears, Thomas Many Bears, Raynard Young Pine, Marlene Oka, Justine Wostenberg; numerous cousins. We apologize if we have missed anyone.

A Wake Service will be held from 6pm-11pm on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at FORT MACLEOD & DISTRICT COMMUNITY HALL, 301 25 St, Fort Macleod.

A Funeral Service will be held 1:00pm on Monday, September 11th, 2023, at FORT MACLEOD & DISTRICT COMMUNITY HALL, 301 25 St, Fort Macleod.

Interment to follow at Old Agency Cemetery, Blood Reserve.