Calf Robe commemorated with ceremonial plaque

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

Siksika Nation recognized educational achievements, family, tradition, and honoured one of their sons during the Siksika Nation Board of Education powwow Nov. 19 at the Arbour teepee.
Chris Calf Robe, 31, was born and raised in Siksika Nation, and was presented with a plaque honouring his participation in the Siksika culture.
Following the ceremony, he mentioned how proud he was to be honoured at the powwow with the support of his family.
Calf Robe is the younger of two brothers and grew up with Down Syndrome. While the disorder might have handicapped him, it hasn’t taken away from his pride for his native culture.
“I’ve been taking him to these ceremonies ever since he was a baby,” said his mother Sharon Calf Robe. “Ever since he could walk, he has been dancing and Indian drumming.”
Chris was presented the plaque accompanied by his mother, two brothers Steven and Ben, and more than 30 family members.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here for my son,” Sharon spoke to the crowd. “I am very proud of my son. Even though he is disabled, he has a very strong knowledge and passion for our culture.”
Robin Big Snake is 59 years old and is Chris’s adopted brother. He and his fiancé Gloria Haberlack dreamt about this day last August when they approached Sharon with the idea of honouring Chris and shedding some light on native people with disabilities.
“There are people all over with disabilities who don’t get recognized, and in my opinion, they haven’t received the proper attention,” said Big Snake. “We need to make them feel like part of the community. We need to give them encouragement, make them feel important and give them strength in the community.”
Chris, a big Calgary Flames fan, was dressed in an outfit with beads and feathers, an outfit that Sharon made by hand. She has been making her kid’s outfits by hand all their life.
After he was presented with the plaque, Chris and his family took part in the honour dance around the inside of the Arbour.
That was followed up by a grass dance competition in honour of Chris. After the winner was named, Chris and his mother Sharon went around the circle of elders, giving away blankets and cloths. It was a way of thanking their community for supporting him during his powwow.