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Vancouver Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Shania Twain leaves lasting impression at this year's Calgary Stampede
Country music icon Shania Twain didn't just lead the parade at this year's Calgary Stampede — she made a lasting impression across the grounds, including a meaningful visit to Elbow River Camp. Twain was a natural choice to lead the parade, according to Stuart O'Connor, Stampede president and board chair. 'She truly embodied the grit, determination and passion that's really so fundamental to the spirit of the Stampede,' O'Connor said. Twain rode on horseback at the front of the parade, with O'Connor and others following closely behind. 'She was very gracious, and I would say very authentic,' O'Connor said. 'She loves the western heritage, thoroughly loves her horses, and it showed throughout the day with her.' The crowd lining the route, which comprised nearly 340,000 people, was ecstatic to see her, O'Connor said. 'As a literal Canadian music icon, you could tell how much she meant to so many folks,' he said. When I say 'let's go girls' I could ride a horse through the streets of Calgary! 😂🐴 What a weekend!! I don't even know... One of Twain's first stops after the parade was a peaceful visit to Elbow River Camp, which O'Connor said she specifically requested. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Organizers were surprised and honoured by her interest, and were happy to tour her around the camp. What was initially supposed to be a 15-minute tour stretched to nearly 45 minutes, when Twain arrived almost an hour early. 'To know that she came here and wanted to know more, it was just an honour to talk with her and kind of share my story of growing up in my Blackfoot culture,' said Elbow River Camp co-ordinator Vanessa Stiffarm. Twain strolled around the camp, meeting tipi-holders and learning more about the history of the Treaty 7 nations. 'She was just so friendly and really willing to learn,' said Stiffarm. Elbow River Camp features a variety of cultural programming and demonstrations, including the return of the tipi competition for the first time since 2018. 'Even though we're in Stampede Park, it kind of feels like you're off on your own. It's a place where you can just lie, relax in the grass or find a shady place to come watch any of our programs,' Stiffarm said. 'It's just a little bit of history that you won't find anywhere else.' Twain's parade appearance also featured a custom piece of Stampede gear — the official parade marshal hat, made locally by Smithbilt Hats. Located in Inglewood and operating since 1919, each year Smithbilt crafts a hat made from 100 per cent beaver felt for the parade marshal. 'It's basically no different than any of the hats we make for people walking through our door,' said Holly Allen, general manager at Smithbilt Hats. But this year, there were a few extra considerations. Twain's stylist requested black and red in the design, so a custom hat band was created for the occasion. Multiple hats were made to ensure a proper fit, and Allen said at least one of them may end up on display in one of the Stampede's exhibition spaces, though she didn't have exact details. Business at the iconic hat shop has been booming this year's Stampede season. Since May 1, Smithbilt has hosted more than 175 corporate events, with foot traffic beginning to surge as far ahead of the Stampede as March. 'It's our Christmas,' Allen said. 'But this year, Christmas started early.' bnicholls@ READY FOR MORE STAMPEDE CONTENT? CHECK OUT THESE 2025 CALGARY STAMPEDE FEATURES:
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Real Canadians: Indigenous grandmothers pass teachings down to young mothers
Five Indigenous grandmothers are sharing traditional teachings with young Indigenous mothers to help give them and their children a healthy head start. The health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples is closely tied to cultural identity, which is established at a very young age. Residential schools and other colonization traumas disrupted the transfer of traditional knowledge, leading to long-lasting consequences to the physical and mental well-being of many Indigenous people in Canada. 'As a survivor of residential school, I lost all my connections to my culture, and I had no traditional parenting knowledge to share with my children,' explains Blackfoot Elder Jackie Bromley of the Kainai Blood Tribe, Treaty 7. 'Many younger people remain disconnected from their culture, and they don't know what they should do when they have a baby.' A group of five Indigenous women from Treaty 6, 7 and 8, and the Métis Nation of Alberta are working together in collaboration with University of Alberta researchers to develop a booklet to share traditional teachings and cultural practices with new Indigenous mothers. Elder Darlene Cardinal, Elder Lorraine Albert, Elder Muriel Lee, Elder Jackie Bromley and Knowledge Keeper Norma Spicer originally came together for a panel discussion at a health conference, but the group collectively felt there was more they could do. With the help of Dr. Stephanie Montesanti, associate professor with the University of Alberta's School of Public Health and funding from the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), they formed the Grandmother's Wisdom Network and worked together to create a booklet of traditional teachings for new Indigenous mothers. 'Connection to culture through the sharing of traditional knowledge improves health and enhances wellness across generations as mothers share knowledge and traditions with their children,' Montesanti says. 'Supporting Indigenous children's development and well-being starts during pregnancy by helping mothers develop stronger connections to culture.' Grandmothers and Elders are highly respected in Indigenous communities. They have a vital role in preserving traditions, transmitting wisdom, and guiding communities by passing on traditional knowledge. 'There is no greater teacher in Cree culture than a kokum or grandmother,' explains Elder Muriel Lee of Ermineskin Cree Nation, Treaty 6. 'Grandmothers are the real knowledge keepers, and the Grandmothers' Wisdom Network has given each of us an avenue to share traditional knowledge.' Though traditional knowledge varies between cultures, all of the grandmothers share one common belief — that caring for a new life is a sacred duty. 'It's so important that we teach young mothers how to care for their children,' explains Elder Lee. 'Each of the grandmothers shares their knowledge in their own way. In Cree culture, we believe a child belongs to the Creator and is only on loan to the parent.' 'There is no greater teacher in Cree culture than a kokum or grandmother.' – Elder Muriel Lee Beginning in spring 2025, the grandmothers will provide the new booklet to Indigenous mothers and their families. Future work will involve health-care providers using the booklet to enhance understanding and awareness of cultural aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and early life among Indigenous Peoples. 'This has been the most meaningful and purposeful task I have undertaken in my life,' says Elder Lee. While working on this project, the grandmothers have supported each other, shared knowledge and discussed ways to share traditional knowledge in each of their respective communities. They plan to continue working together for the foreseeable future. Take Action: Do one thing that brings you personally closer to reconciliation. There are many options — have an Indigenous tourism experience, attend a powwow, or learn some Indigenous words used by people in your area. Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer and a national bestselling author. If you have an idea for a story that could be featured in Real Canadians, email realcanadians@
National Post
26-06-2025
- Health
- National Post
Real Canadians: Indigenous grandmothers pass teachings down to young mothers
Article content Five Indigenous grandmothers are sharing traditional teachings with young Indigenous mothers to help give them and their children a healthy head start. Article content The health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples is closely tied to cultural identity, which is established at a very young age. Residential schools and other colonization traumas disrupted the transfer of traditional knowledge, leading to long-lasting consequences to the physical and mental well-being of many Indigenous people in Canada. Article content Article content 'As a survivor of residential school, I lost all my connections to my culture, and I had no traditional parenting knowledge to share with my children,' explains Blackfoot Elder Jackie Bromley of the Kainai Blood Tribe, Treaty 7. 'Many younger people remain disconnected from their culture, and they don't know what they should do when they have a baby.' Article content A group of five Indigenous women from Treaty 6, 7 and 8, and the Métis Nation of Alberta are working together in collaboration with University of Alberta researchers to develop a booklet to share traditional teachings and cultural practices with new Indigenous mothers. Elder Darlene Cardinal, Elder Lorraine Albert, Elder Muriel Lee, Elder Jackie Bromley and Knowledge Keeper Norma Spicer originally came together for a panel discussion at a health conference, but the group collectively felt there was more they could do. Article content Article content With the help of Dr. Stephanie Montesanti, associate professor with the University of Alberta's School of Public Health and funding from the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), they formed the Grandmother's Wisdom Network and worked together to create a booklet of traditional teachings for new Indigenous mothers. Article content Article content 'Connection to culture through the sharing of traditional knowledge improves health and enhances wellness across generations as mothers share knowledge and traditions with their children,' Montesanti says. 'Supporting Indigenous children's development and well-being starts during pregnancy by helping mothers develop stronger connections to culture.' Article content Grandmothers and Elders are highly respected in Indigenous communities. They have a vital role in preserving traditions, transmitting wisdom, and guiding communities by passing on traditional knowledge. Article content 'There is no greater teacher in Cree culture than a kokum or grandmother,' explains Elder Muriel Lee of Ermineskin Cree Nation, Treaty 6. 'Grandmothers are the real knowledge keepers, and the Grandmothers' Wisdom Network has given each of us an avenue to share traditional knowledge.' Article content Though traditional knowledge varies between cultures, all of the grandmothers share one common belief — that caring for a new life is a sacred duty. 'It's so important that we teach young mothers how to care for their children,' explains Elder Lee. 'Each of the grandmothers shares their knowledge in their own way. In Cree culture, we believe a child belongs to the Creator and is only on loan to the parent.'
CTV News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Tsuut'ina Minor Chief expands on comments to U.S. President Donald Trump at G7
Saturday, Tsuut'ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild expanded upon his conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump that took place last Sunday on the tarmac at Calgary International Airport. Crowchild welcomed the American president to Treaty 7 territory wearing a feathered headdress while Trump wore a white baseball cap with 'Make America Great Again' on it. Saturday at a media event on the Tsuut'ina Nation, Crowchild emphasized the inter-connectedness between water and peace. 'Where water is polluted or privatized, conflict brews,' he said. 'Where peace is broken, water systems collapse. 'If we truly want peace, we must protect water,' he said. 'If we truly want security, we must act on climate change and environmental justice now. Steven Crowchild U.S. President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Calgary International Airport, greeting Indigenous leader Steven Crowchild, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Calgary, Canada, ahead of the G7 Summit. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Crowchild also called on all world governments including Canada and the United States 'to put the protection, dignity, respect and love for all our children and future generations at the centre of decision making -- and recognize access to clean water as a universal human right. 'And protect it in all national and international policies,' he added. 'Uphold Indigenous sovereignty and support Indigenous-led water protection and climate solutions. Fund global efforts to restore rivers, wetlands, and natural water systems as part climate adaptation and peace building. 'And ban the use of water as a weapon in conflict zones,' he said, 'and hold violators accountable under international law -- and above all, prioritize diplomacy and peaceful resolution over military escalation and arms spending.' As for his Sunday night meet-and-greet on the tarmac with the American president, Crowchild said it was brief. 'It was a simple conversation,' he said about the encounter, which received global attention when Crowchild described himself as 'filled with rage' while speaking with Trump. Steven Crowchild Tsuut'ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild wearing the medal he showed President Trump at the G7 welcoming last Sunday night at Calgary International Airport (Tyler Barrow, CTV Calgary) 'After sitting with my quote unquote rage and praying, I was reminded that my rage came from a place of grief and love – love for my people, all humanity, and love for this beautiful planet that we share," he said. 'And grief for those in the world suffering from the actions, words and inactions of a certain individual,' he said, 'and many others who have the ability to bring peace to the world. 'Our conversation was short,' he said, continuing, 'I introduced myself in my language and said 'this is native land'. '(Then) I introduced myself in English and my nation,' he said. 'I showed him this treaty medal here and told him that it's older than Canada itself. Canada Trump G7 Summit Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney walks with President Donald Trump after a group photo at the G7 Summit, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Kananaskis, Canada. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) 'I said welcome to treaty, native land – and I wish you safe travels home. 'I told him that I speak for my babies, elders and future generations and to be a good leader and protect water for future generations.' 'All he said in response was something along the lines of 'Yeah. Yeah. We can do that.'' 'So hopefully they can do that,' he said. 'Because our collective survival depends on it.' With files from CTV's Tyler Barrow
CTV News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Tsuut'ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild expands on conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump at G7
Saturday, Tsuut'ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild expanded upon his conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump that took place last Sunday on the tarmac at Calgary International Airport. Crowchild welcomed the American president to Treaty 7 territory wearing a feathered headdress while Trump wore a white baseball cap with 'Make America Great Again' on it. In a preamble to his explanation of his conversation with Trump, Crowchild emphasized the inter-connectedness between water and peace. 'Where water is polluted or privatized, conflict brews,' he said. 'Where peace is broken, water systems collapse. 'If we truly want peace, we must protect water,' he said. 'If we truly want security, we must act on climate change and environmental justice now. Steven Crowchild U.S. President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Calgary International Airport, greeting Indigenous leader Steven Crowchild, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Calgary, Canada, ahead of the G7 Summit. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Crowchild said he was calling on all world governments including Canada and the United States 'to put the protection, dignity, respect and love for all our children and future generations at the centre of decision-making -- and recognize access to clean water as a universal human right. 'And protect it in all national and international policies,' he added. 'Uphold Indigenous sovereignty and support Indigenous-led water protection and climate solutions. Fund global efforts to restore rivers, wetlands, and natural water systems as part climate adaptation and peace building. 'And ban the use of water as a weapon in conflict zones,' he said, 'and hold violators accountable under international law -- and above all, prioritize diplomacy and peaceful resolution over military escalation and arms spending.' As for his Sunday night meet-and-greet on the tarmac with the American president, Crowchild said it was brief. "It was a simple conversation," he said about the encounter, which received global attention when Crowchild described himself as 'filled with rage' while speaking with Trump. Steven Crowchild Tsuut'ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild wearing the medal he showed President Trump at the G7 welcoming last Sunday night at Calgary International Airport (Tyler Barrow, CTV Calgary) 'After sitting with my quote unquote rage and praying, I was reminded that my rage came from a place of grief and love – love for my people, all humanity, and love for this beautiful planet that we share," he said. 'And grief for those in the world suffering from the actions, words and inactions of a certain individual,' he said, 'and many others who have the ability to bring peace to the world. 'Our conversation was short,' he said, continuing. 'I introduced myself in my language and said 'this is native land'. '(Then) I introduced myself in English and my nation,' he said. 'I showed him this treaty medal here and told him that it's older than Canada itself. Canada Trump G7 Summit Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney walks with President Donald Trump after a group photo at the G7 Summit, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Kananaskis, Canada. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) 'I said welcome to treaty, native land – and I wish you safe travels home. 'I told him that I speak for my babies, elders and future generations and to be a good leader and protect water for future generations.' 'All he said in response was something along the lines of 'Yeah. Yeah. We can do that.'' 'And then, that was the end of our interaction,' said Crowchild, who met the press on National Indigenous Peoples Day. 'So hopefully they can do that,' he said. 'Because our collective survival depends on it.' With files from CTV's Tyler Barrow
