For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. Each year on June 21st many communities come together to celebrate the cultural richness and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples all across Turtle Island.
This year, the Town of Canmore gathered a little early so they could celebrate with their Stoney Nakoda neighbors. The whole community came together to experience Indigenous singing, drumming and dancing. The Authentically Indigenous Market was also on site at the Canmore Civic centre, and many Indigenous artisans and vendors were there to display their art, fashion and culture.
The grand entry was followed by speeches from the Mayor of Canmore and the Chiefs of Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney.
Mayor of CANMORE Sean Krausert:
BEARSPAW FIRST NATION Chief Darcy Dixon:
GOODSTONEY FIRST NATION Chief Clifford Poucette:
CHINIKI FIRST NATION Chief Aaron Young:
The Stoney Nakoda Nations have continuously used, occupied and possessed our traditional lands since well before contact with the Europeans. Our traditional territory ranged from the Great Plains where we hunted buffalo to the Rocky Mountain foothills and watersheds where we harvested, fished and hunted big game and over the mountain passes to the British Columbia interior.
The Stoney Nakoda Nations (“SNN”) comprised of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation and Goodstoney First Nation were signatories to Treaty No. 7 made on September 22, 1877 at Blackfoot Crossing.
At present, the Stoney Nakoda live primarily on six reserves; Stoney Indian Reserves #142, #143, #144 at Mini Thni (Morley) located 65 km. west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Banff; Rabbit Lake Indian Reserve #142B northwest of Mini Thni (Morley); Eden Valley Indian Reserve #216, located 120 km. south of Mini Thni (Morley) near Longview; and the Bighorn Reserve #144A located 265 km. northwest of Mini Thni (Morley) near Nordegg. As of 2021 the population of SNN was approximately 5,397. https://stoneynakodanations.com/about-us/
The Town of Canmore is located within Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Canmore area, known as “Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”) and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, and Goodstoney First Nation – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play and help us steward this land and honour and celebrate this territory. We commit to working to live in right relations and to advance Truth and Reconciliation. https://canmore.ca/residents/truth-and-reconciliation
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