Siksika Nation chief leads Calgary Stampede parade

Brady Grove, Times Reporter

This year’s Calgary Stampede Parade Marshals were the seven chiefs of the Treaty 7 Nations, including Siksika Chief Joseph Weasel Child.
“To be leading the parade and see family and friends was just so awesome,” said Weasel Child. “I grew up with all that stuff right from when I was a youngster.”
Weasel Child wasn’t able to ride on horseback with the other chiefs during the parade because 17 days prior he had a hip replacement. He was the victim of a hit-and-run accident in his younger days. Weasel Child rode in a horse drawn carriage and led the other chiefs.
“To have the honour of being parade marshal and not be able to ride was pretty disappointing,” said Weasel Child. “But I have to follow my doctor’s orders.”
As part of parade marshal duties, the seven chiefs participated in many events around the Stampede, including opening the official rodeo and chuck wagons, and visiting and participating in the Indian Village.
The chiefs also attended the Stampede Presidents Dinner where each chief was presented with a bronze trophy in the shape of a horse. Weasel Child praised the Stampede board for putting forth the effort to include Treaty 7 nations.
Many groups have been trying to build reconciliation between Canadian and First Nations communities. Weasel Child said events such as the Calgary Stampede provide an excellent opportunity to bring First Nations and other Canadians together.
“There’s a lot of racism out there and we are trying to tear down those barriers and stereotypes,” said Weasel Child.
The Treaty 7 Nations are comprised of three Blackfoot Confederacy Nations, of which Siksika falls under, three Stoney Nakoda Nations and the Tsuut’ina Nation, whose territories are all in southern Alberta.