Respected hereditary chief Bill Cranmer is being described as dignified and larger than life by loved ones following his death this week at the age of 85.
Cranmer, known by the traditional name T̓łaḵwagila, was hereditary chief of the ‘Namgis nation. He died in his Alert Bay home on Wednesday, Jan. 3, surrounded by friends and family, according to his long-time partner Lisanne Granger.
Over his life, Cranmer led the repatriation of cultural objects that were confiscated in 1921, during a potlatch ban. Federal authorities arrested participants in the traditional ceremony, held by many northwest coastal First Nations to mark a range of milestones, including naming ceremonies, weddings and funerals.
Cranmer was instrumental
