BIG THROAT, Tania

BIG THROAT

Tania Simone Big Throat Niyaoskaa’sisoiyaakii, Tania was born on April 29, 1971 and passes peacefully on February 3, 2021 at the age of 49 years. She leaves to mourn her beloved husband Andy Crow and their son Naatosi, her parents Leona Wolf Child and Henry (Betty) Big Throat; In-Laws: Phillis Crow and Gordon Buffalo; Siblings: Candace (Cary), Anastasia, Heather, Vincent (Brandi), Kelsey, Peetah (Betty Jo), Santanita (Skip), Crystal, Brooker (Sonya) and John (Delia); Sisters and Brother in-laws: Virgina, Cynthia (William), Karl (Abigale), Dean and Paul; Numerus nieces and nephews; Aunts and Uncles: Pauline, Don, Peter, Bernadette, Linda (Darryl), Diane, Nora (Roy), Betty Ann (Quinton), Pam (Colin), Doris (Phillip), and Wanda; Grand Aunts: Clara Russell, Rachel Hoof, Annie Davis, Veronica Brewer, Christine Good Dagger, and Lena Chief Calf; Cousins too numerous to mention;

Tania received her secondary education at the Levern and Standoff Elementary School, Glenbrook School (Calgary), St. Mary’s High School. Her post-secondary education included, Red Crow Community College, the University of Lethbridge where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in English, she also attended the University of Alberta and most recently the University of Calgary where she obtained a Certificate in Technical Writing.

Tania traveled to many places and had many experiences during her travels. Her first trip at age 2 was to Victoria BC, where her love for travel began. Tania traveled to Greece with her fellow classmates at St. Mary’s High School. Tania was a Program Associate for the United Nations Volunteers Representation Office in North America in New York City. During her time in New York she also volunteered as a Co-Coordinator at the United Nations working group on the International Indigenous Peoples and Rapporteur, for NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and within the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office. She also attended the International Indigenous Youth Conference and Cordillera Day in Baguio City, Dupag, Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines. She had a brief stop in Hong Kong. She also traveled to Montreal, Vancouver and many other places. After her time in New York, Tania returned to the Blood Reserve working at Blood Tribe Reinvestment Initiative, Kainai Children’s Services, FNAHEC and most recently at Red Crow Community College.

During her travels she met the love of her life Andy. Together they started a family, the light of her life was their son Naatosi. Andy would often remark on his gratitude to Tania for giving him his first-born son. Tania and Andy are so very proud of Naatosi. Her loving nature was also shown in her caring love for her nieces and nephews. She also was very supportive of her siblings and cousins. She was very proud of all their accomplishments. For those who had the opportunity to work with her, have known her to be very supportive on their endeavours as well.

Tania had a thirst for knowledge, she read many books, studied various topics and disciplines. She assisted in the revitalization of our Blackfoot Language through development of the Blackfoot Language program at RCCC. She was a role model for the whole family. Her success showed us that we to are capable of great things. Because of Tania’s wealth of knowledge and technical expertise she was often called to assist in many undertakings. Tania was patient, kind, and giving, she was selfless in her assistance. She was also very dedicated in her work, often times going above expectations. She enjoyed all that she did.

Tania was an extraordinary loving soul. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. As she left us all too soon. She strongly believed in our Niitsitapi way of life and our kinship traditions. Tania was predeceased by, Grandparents Leo Sr. and Sarah (nee. Plain Woman) Wolf Child and Horace and Elisabeth (nee Healy) Big Throat. Aunts and Uncles, Evangeline (Jim Chief Calf) Chief Moon, Louise (Henry Jr.) Day Rider, Geraldine (Louis) Crop Eared Wolf, Leo Wolf Child Jr. Eugene “Tiny”, Melvin Big Throat, Chris Twigg. Great Aunts and Uncles, Max (Annabelle) Big Throat, Albertine Plume, Pauline (George) Healy, Celina (James) Twigg, Evelyn (Eugene)Twigg, Theresa (Stanley) Black Water, Flora (Henry Sr.) Day Rider, Daisy (Philip) Aberdeen, Francis Russell, Joe (Alice) Wolf Child, Sam (Elizabeth) Wolf Child, Annie (Jim) Shot Both Side, Isabel (Allen) Spare Chief, Jim Many Feather, Mary Eagle Child, Raymond and Isabel King, Percy (Paula Black Horse), William, Lawrence Plain Woman, and Nellie (Tom) Long Time Squirrel.

The family would like to leave you with one of Tania’s favorite quotes by Mary Anne Roadacher Hershey “Live with Intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”

A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 – Limited people will be allowed in the building at a time.) Interment to follow at Wolf Child family Cemetery.

To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.