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Obituary of Vanora Gloria Big Plume
March 15, 1942 – Calgary, Alberta
November 15, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta
Vanora Gloria Big Plume - Gừja nizàà (Good aim) a matriarch of Tsuut’ina Nation was called home to join her beloved husband, Chief Xakiji, Clifford Big Plume, on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the age of 82 years. Vanora was a keeper of Tsuut’ina Gunaha and was a descendant of the Manyhorses clan. Her legacy remains a strong influence on her family and future generations of the Tsuut’ina Nation. She served the Nation as a First Lady to her husband Xakiji Clifford Big Plume with grace and dignity. Vanora held various positions that included a liaison for the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), and a community health representative for Tsuut’ina Health. Still, her love for teaching the Tsuut’ina Gunaha led her to work with the children in the Head Start and daycare programs. Clifford and Vanora were proud tipi owners for 37 years at the Calgary Stampede. They were world travellers and visited many places throughout Europe and North America. She took pride in her beadwork, creating many beautiful fully beaded pieces for her children and grandchildren. Vanora made a profound impact on the Tsuut’ina community. Her contributions, spirit, and connection to the Nation and people will be remembered with respect, love, and honour. She will also be remembered for her kindness and generosity.
Vanora is survived by her children, Chief Xakiji Sandford Big Plume (Brenda), Kimberly Wildman (Lional), Lilly, and Nora (Mike); and daughters-in-law, Trudy Big Plume and Sheryl Onespot. Vanora loved and cherished her 33 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Vanora also leaves behind her sisters, Keitha Manyhorses and Eva Manyhorses; sisters-in-law, Marie (Winston), Vicki, and Theresa; adopted son Richard Bish; adopted daughter Crystal; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relations, and friends all over the world.
Vanora was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Chief Xakiji Clifford Big Plume, her beloved sons, Chiefy, William, and Clinton; her parents, George and Hilda Big Crow; her grandparents, Tom Manyhorses and Jane Manyswans; her brothers, Russell, Clarence, Frank, Rodney, and Hector; her sisters, Edith and Mabel; her adopted son Vinnie Crowchild; her grandson Hunter; and many other friends and relatives she loved dearly.
Funeral Services will be held at Bullhead Community Hall (Bullhead Road, Tsuut'ina, AB) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Big Plume Cemetery. Traditional Feast to follow at Chief Big Belly Middle School (Tsuut'ina, AB).
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Vanora’s family here.
In living memory of Vanora 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.
