(MichaelBlake.com)

Author Michael Blake

The Academy Award-winning writer of "Dances With Wolves" has died in Tucson at age 69. Michael Blake died from cancer on Saturday after spending his later years living in southern Arizona.

Blake wrote "Dances With Wolves” at the urging of his long-time friend, actor Kevin Costner.

The novel, about a Civil War Army lieutenant who befriends a native American tribe, didn’t do very well. But its film version won seven Oscars, including Blake’s award for best adapted screenplay.

Blake was an advocate for literacy, Native American history and wild horses. He is survived by his wife and their three children.