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Sam Steele Society and Ktunaxa Nation celebrate together
The Sam Steele Society, volunteer organizers of Cranbrook’s largest community festival, have renewed its friendship with the Ktunaxa Nation as they acknowledge the importance and value of thousands of years of First Nation history during this year’s celebration of Canada’s 150 years of confederation.
“The Sam Steele Society has welcomed the Ktunaxa Nation as guests of the festival to encourage involvement and participation with their own event as well as in the Sam Steele Days Parade. This is one example of how we can contribute positively to Truth and Reconciliation,” stated Christy Wheeldon, Sam Steele Society Chair.
Sophie Pierre, former Aq’am (St. Mary’s Band) Chief and 1967 Sam Steele Sweetheart, who was recently awarded the Order of Canada for her dedication towards advocating for First Nations people, has accepted the title of Honourary Parade Marshall of the 2017 Sam Steele Days Parade.
Watch for the Ktunaxa Nation float, Aq’am float and the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino float leading the Sam Steele Days Grand Parade on Saturday, June 17, escorted by the traditional Legion colour party. The owners and associates at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino, parade sponsors since 2007, are proudly devoted to sharing our local First Nations culture as well as the history of their magnificent resort.
The public and festival volunteers will, as in past years, be welcome at the Ktunaxa Nation’s Street Angel facility beside the festival’s central fairgrounds at Balment Park.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council will host a pancake breakfast and a ‘Ktunaxa Village’ at the Ktunaxa Nation government building location, 220 Cranbrook St. N., previously known as the Central School heritage building on Saturday June 17. Times can be found on the Sam Steele Days website www.samsteeledays.org .
The Ktunaxa Nation Council and elders have recently assisted the festival committee with the festival’s website heritage information. Readers can use the links to learn more about the Ktunaxa, their culture and history.
Lead image: Sam Steele Sweethearts ride in 1967 Sam Steele Days Parade. Sophie Pierre in centre. Cranbrook Townsman file photo
Sam Steele Society
