In his recent column for the Cochrane Eagle, Warren Harbeck addressed an important issue. False rumours about his using our dialect to advance his career and enhance his monetary wealth have existed since he facilitated the development of a writing system as Director of the Stoney Cultural Education Program (SCEP). I know these rumours are not true. I know Warren to be a humble and honest man who embodies Îethka values in his life. For example, the value of respect (wa’ahogipabi).
As a linguist and scholar, Warren's desire was to use the letter c for the ch sound and the letter x for the rh sound. However, the Elders he worked with preferred ch and rh, and Warren respected that. His respect for his teachers and the Elders who collaborated with him between 1965 to 1975 was paramount. In total, over 70 Elders contributed to that process, leaving lasting legacies for generations to come. Warren did not insist on his way. Instead, he accepted what the Elders had decided on. Ahowîchapen (he respected them).
Elders and community leaders granted Warren permission to author his graduate thesis using the Îethka dialect. However, Warren was not granted permission to publish his research. Warren has always respected that and believes that he should not take opportunities away from Îethkabi. This was true when I had the honour to co-teach Îethka with this inherently respectful man. Wa’ahogipach (he is respectful).
As my colleague, Warren made it clear that I take a lead role. He did not relegate me to sit in his class to nod in agreement as he presented his theories. This is usually the case at the University of Calgary. Instead, he asked for my opinions and was prepared to discuss theories I questioned as a heritage speaker of Îethka. Most importantly, Warren included me in all his discussions with the university. Ahomâpen (he respected me).
Indeed, Warren had the opportunity to enrich himself using the Îethka dialect. He chose not to. Instead, his vision has been to empower us by teaching us the science of linguistics so that we can begin documenting our language on our own. This is what he has been doing for me and for my late sister before me (Kim Fox). He is educating those who are interested in linguistics so that we can properly document the Îethka dialect of the Nakoda (Sioux) language.
As for the false rumours, I know that Warren has stayed true to his values and the values he learned as a young man working for the Îethka Nakoda. He has never engaged his detractors and has never publicly revealed why a fallout occurred. Instead, he remembers the wonderful times he had with good people, learning about the Îethka culture and language. Dohâ Ahoîpabich (he has shown profound respect for our people).
His wealth truly is in his values and his treatment of those around him. I began my research in memory of my late sister. Warren has supported me every step of the way. Îsniyes Warren.
