Xàkijí‑tii (Head Chief), Tsuut’ina Nation
Ellery Starlight, known by his Tsuut’ina name “Súh Xàkijà”, meaning Star Chief, is a long‑serving leader of Tsuut’ina Nation whose life and work are rooted in a deep and unwavering pride in being Tsuut’ina. His leadership is shaped by profound respect for the people, the history, the culture, the land, and the teachings that define Tsuut’ina identity. Raised on Tsuut’ina lands and descended from Chiefs, he was taught from an early age that responsibility to the land, the people, and the Nation must always come before position or title.
Growing up, Ellery learned the value of hard work through everyday responsibility. His family farmed cattle and worked the land, and while life was not easy, it was steady and honest. These early experiences shaped his respect for hard work, perseverance, and humility; values that continue to guide how he carries responsibility today.
Throughout his life, Ellery has spent considerable time learning from Elders, listening, observing, and carrying teachings forward through action. This learning was practical and responsibility‑based, reinforcing accountability through lived experience rather than words alone.
Prior to being elected Xàkijí‑tii (Head Chief), Ellery Starlight served six terms in elected leadership as a Minor Chief (Xàkújàà), contributing across governance, economic development, public works, hospitality & entertainment, and legislative development. He was involved in Nation‑shaping initiatives including the Tsuut’ina Ring Road and the establishment and growth of the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, strengthening the Nation’s economic foundation and long‑term self‑sufficiency.
Early in his professional life, Ellery worked as a student wildlife officer for five seasons, a role he valued deeply for the opportunity to be on the land each day, strengthening his connection to nature, wild animals and environmental stewardship. Through this experience, he came to understand how fish and wildlife regimes conflicted with Treaty rights and Tsuut’ina’s authority over their lands and resources. It was an early and formative experience working within external regulatory systems that affected First Nations lands and ways of life.
Building on this understanding, Ellery Starlight was instrumental in the creation of the Tsuut’ina Peacemaker Court in 2000, Canada’s first formally recognized Aboriginal justice process. The Court integrates Tsuut’ina peacemaking traditions with Alberta’s provincial justice system, guided by Elders and Tsuut’ina teachings. These experiences strengthened his ability to engage external regulatory environments while remaining accountable to Tsuut’ina Nation, its lands, and its citizens.
Ellery Starlight carries significant ceremonial responsibility within Tsuut’ina Nation. He has been involved in many ceremonial societies and Sun Dances and serves as a Pipe Carrier; a role that reflects deep trust, extensive ceremonial training, and lifelong accountability to the Nation.
Describing himself as both a traditionalist and a modernist, Ellery Starlight remains fully engaged in cultural life while working confidently within contemporary governance, economic development, and intergovernmental systems. He maintains that understanding the modern world is essential to protecting culture, sovereignty, land, and Treaty rights.
In his current term as Head Chief, Xàkijí‑tii Ellery Starlight is focused on strengthening the overall health of Tsuut’ina Nation so that children inherit not only opportunity, but a strong sense of identity, responsibility, and confidence as Tsuut’ina people.
Xàkijí‑tii Ellery Starlight shares a simple message that reflects both his values and expectations:
