work > The Folk Saints Index

St. Virginia Beavert, known as Tuxámshish, was a Yakama elder and linguistic scholar dedicated to preserving the Sahaptin language and indigenous cultural heritage. Born on November 30, 1921, and passing on July 27, 2022, her life was marked by resilience and advocacy for her people. St. Virginia co-authored the definitive Sahaptin Dictionary and played a crucial role in language revitalization efforts, impacting countless lives through her storytelling, mentorship, and educational programs.