Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation announced

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Melodie Ayoungman, who spearheaded the creation of the Lead By Example powwow in 2023, announced alongside a board of directors, the creation of the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation. 

The announcement of the organization, which boasts support from the Town of Strathmore and Siksika Nation, was made Feb. 16, at the Strathmore Civic Centre. 

“Our family thought long and hard about continuing forward with the Lead By Example powwow. With so many people approaching our family from Strathmore, our community, and from all directions, we decided we need to do this. This is important,” said Ayoungman. “We need to change the face of racism and bring our communities together in a positive light and continue on this path because it was such a huge success.”

Kristian Ayoungman, to whom the foundation and powwow are dedicated, lost his life after being shot in 2019 following a dispute over cigarettes. 

Four years following his death, the first annual Lead By Example powwow took place at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre, with over 2,000 people attending from across Canada and the United States. 

Moving forward, the second annual Lead By Example powwow is scheduled to be hosted in June at the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society grounds in order to expand its operational capacity.

“So many people had wanted to come last year and we were sold out,” said Ayoungman. “The building capacity limited the amount of people who could come, so I said we need a bigger location and this way, everyone can come.” 

In addition to the competitive powwow dances, the event will also feature an Indian Relay, and use of the entertainment stage over the course of three days. 

Prior to the start of the powwow, the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation will be doing cultural sharing with surrounding local schools. Ayoungman said the invitation has been extended to Golden Hills School Division, and to all the Siksika Nation schools to bring students out to learn about First Nations history. 

“Here is an opportunity for people to learn a little bit more about First Nations culture, the Blackfoots who are right beside them, (and) our Siksika community,” she said. “We want to make it fun and exciting and this is something that has been a long time needed and we are looking forward to bringing our communities together because of Kristian and his legacy and how he lived his life.”

During the announcement of the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation, plaques were handed out to the sponsors as a way to thank them for their contributions.

The Lead By Example Powwow is scheduled to take place June 6-9.