Chief Crowfoot School crowns new princess

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

After a two-year hiatus from the award, Chief Crowfoot School has crowned their princess following a pageant for the 2022 year.

Logan “Addie” Crow Chief was crowned princess, which is a position as a local leader and role model for other students in the school. 

Alexander Scalplock, a cultural instructor at the school said that during their tenure a princess serves as a sort of ambassador representing her school and her community within Siksika Nation.

“When we have our annual powwows during the winter, the spring or for Treaty 7 … we have princesses from all the schools (participate) as part of the grand entry,” explained Scalplock. “Sometimes what might be required is we will get the princesses to come up and say a few words on behalf of their school, and to begin our powwows they will give good words and welcome everyone and to wish safe travels when the celebration is all over.”

The pageant itself has several components that are judged and critiqued before a princess is crowned. These include fundraising, talent competition, recitation of a Blackfoot prayer and public speaking. 

Among the talent competition, although any talent can be performed, dancing tends to be favoured. 

“The parents also play a part in this when their daughter is running for princess. They have to mentor and coach their daughters in practicing reciting Blackfoot words and language and introducing themselves in the Siksika language,” added Scalplock. “They are being leaders at a young age and it takes a lot of courage to come out and do public speaking. That’s part of growth for these young girls to be able to voice themselves and be able to speak in public.”

He said that as a princess, being in that position puts a student in a place to be an active role model for other students. 

Scalplock explained that for him, his committee and for the school, it is a great source of pride to have once again been able to host the pageant and crown another princess.

“Being a princess … everybody looks up to you, even the lower grades. All the young girls, they really look up to the princess of our school. When she is in her full regalia, it’s her time to shine,” said Scalplock. “When you hold the title of Miss Crowfoot School Princess … everybody knows who you are and you gain a lot of respect. For a young girl, she’s definitely going places.”

The selection took place on March 8. For a student to have entered for the title, they must be enrolled at Chief Crowfoot School, be between grades three and eight, own their own set of full regalia, know the Blackfoot prayer by heart and be able to commit to wearing the crown for a one-year reign.