Northern B.C. Lheidli T’enneh elder and Indigenous language teacher passes away

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – The oldest elder of a northern British Columbia First Nation and one of the few speakers of its language has died.

Students, colleagues and Indigenous leaders are remembering Mary Gouchie for her efforts to ensure the language lives on.

Gouchie was just weeks short of her 98th birthday when she died on Thursday and flags at Prince George City Hall and the College of New Caledonia have been lowered in her honour.

The Lheidli T’enneh elder was a teacher and keeper of the Lheidli dialect, and was best known as the driving force behind courses offered at the college on the Carrier language.

Fellow teacher Marlene Erickson says Gouchie’s insights about the course curriculum and revitalization of the language were immeasurable.

Terry Teegee, regional chief for the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, is calling Gouchie’s death a huge loss because only a handful of Lheidli dialect speakers remain.

He says she will be honoured for her work to sustain the language.

“It speaks of the importance of keeping the language alive to go on to the next generation and she left that legacy. That is why it’s so important to remember Mary today,” Teegee said.

Erickson said Gouchie was dedicated to developing teaching materials to support a new generation of Carrier speakers and her contribution was priceless.

“The curriculum itself required long hours for Mary in terms of sitting and translating and recording, and just documenting the language,” said Erickson.

Gouchie’s funeral is to be held Saturday in Prince George.

(CKPG)