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Calgary Herald

'More than words': Newly opened Tsúùtʼínà centre aims to preserve nation's language

In a demonstration of cultural revival, Tsúùtʼínà Nation officials celebrated the opening Friday of a new centre dedicated to preserving their language. Article content Chief Roy Whitney and representatives from the Nation's language institute (Tsúùtʼínà Gūnáhà Nás?ághà) unveiled the new language house, located just west of Calgary near the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex and Jim Starlight Centren. The ribbon was cut after counting down from 10 in the Tsúùtʼínà Gūnáhà language. Article content Article content Article content The ribbon-cutting was preceded by speeches and a traditional pipe ceremony to bless the new centre, which in Tsúùtʼínà Gūnáhà will be called Tina Isgiyá / Ichi Ósà ùwa Gùja Nízaá Násʔághà Article content Article content The language house is named in honour of the late Tsúùtʼínà Chief Xakiji Clifford Big Plume (Tina isgiyá – Road Boy), who passed in 2023, and his wife Vanora Gloria Big Plume (Gùja Nizaá – Good aim), who passed away last November. Article content Their granddaughter, Kelsey Big Plume, said her grandparents passed down to her the importance of tradition and respect, and the power of the Tsúùtʼínà language. Article content 'Today, we carry their legacy forward,' she said at Friday's event. 'Their name on this building is not just a tribute, but a reminder of the importance of remembering who we are when we're speaking our Gūnáhà proudly. Article content Article content 'Every word spoken here will carry the voices of those who came before us and shape the voices yet to come.' Article content Clifford Big Plume served as Tsúùtʼínà Chief from 1976 to 1984, and then again from 1986 to 1988. During his tenure as leader, he established the Nation's cultural centre and museum and was the first Chief to secure funding for Tsúùtʼínà language programming, according to the program for Friday's ceremony. Article content His wife Vanora Big Plume was a respected matriarch who 'made significant contributions as a community health worker and education liaison, both on and off the reserve,' the program stated. Her beadwork will be featured throughout the building.