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Obituary of Chief Clifford Big Plume
January 9, 1936 - Tsuut'ina Nation, Alberta
March 9, 2023 - Tsuut'ina Nation, Alberta
Chief Xakiji Clifford Big Plume (Tina isgiya- Road Boy) of Tsuut’ina Nation was called home to join his beloved sons Chiefy, William and Clinton on Thursday, March 9, 2023 on the Tsuut’ina Nation at the age of 87 years.
Xakiji Clifford Big Plume was born and raised and a proud member of the Tsuut’ina Nation. He served the Nation as an honorable leader for over 20 years and dedicated his life to the Tsuut’ina community. Xakiji Big Plume was also a gunaha (language) speaker and was an essential leader for the Nation’s Buffalo Paddock operations having expanded the herd from 30 to 400 Xanitii (buffaloes) within the 35 years he managed the program. Xakiji Big Plume was a tipi owner at the Calgary Stampede for 37 years and took pride in his involvement with the Stampede. Xakiji Big Plume was an influential teacher to the younger generation teaching his sons and grandsons the significance of hunting and trapping and encouraged our youth to be active in sports and recreation. Clifford and Vanora were avid travellers having visited many places around the world, most notably Germany where they visited twice within their travels. Clifford was a great leader, an honoured tipi owner, a hard worker and a proud Tsuut’ina man.
Clifford is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Vanora Big Plume; his children, Chief Xakiji Sandford Big Plume (Brenda), Kimberly Wildman (Lional), and Lilly, Nora (Mike); and daughters-in-law, Trudy Big Plume and Sheryl Onespot. He is also survived by thirty-three grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Clifford also leaves behind his sisters, Marie Wadsworth (Winston), Vicki Jacobs and Theresa Big Plume; adopted sons, Richard Bish, Brent Dodginghorse and Dave Luyendyk; and adopted daughter, Michelle Jacobs; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relations and friends all over the world.
Clifford was predeceased by his beloved sons, Chiefy, William and Clinton; as well as his parents, Stanley and Louise Big Plume; his brothers, Barry and Carl; sisters, Pearl, Lillian and Barbara; adopted son, Vinnie Crowchild; grandson, Hunter; and many other friends and relatives throughout his years.
Wake Services will be held at the residence of Clifford and Vanora Big Plume’s (1000 Bullhead Rd Tsuut’ina, AB) on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on March 13, 2023 at the Tsuut’ina 7 Chiefs Sportsplex at 11:30 a.m. Graveside service to follow at the Big Plume Cemetery, Tsuut’ina Nation. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Clifford Big Plume, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
