Chiefs of Treaty 7 Nations announced as 2017 Calgary Stampede parade marshals

The Calgary Stampede announced Wednesday that the chiefs of the Treaty 7 Nations will serve as 2017 parade marshals.

“The Treaty 7 Nations are comprised of three Blackfoot confederacy nations, three Stoney Nakoda nations and Tsuut’ina Nation, whose territories are in southern Alberta,” Calgary Stampede president and chairman of the board David Sibbald said.

“We have had a strong relationship since the beginning of this great festival, and we would like to build on that relationship going forward, making our connection even stronger.”

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2017 Parade Marshals:

Blackfoot Confederacy Nations 

Chief Roy Fox – Kainai/Blood Tribe

Chief Stanley (Stan) C. Grier – Piikani Nation

Chief Joseph Weasel Child – Siksika Nation

Stoney Nakoda Nations 

Chief Darcy Dixon – Bearspaw First Nation

Chief Ernest Wesley – Wesley First Nation

Chief Aaron Young – Chiniki First Nation

WATCH: Global’s Leslie Horton talks to Tsuut’ina First-Nation Chief Lee Crowchild about being named one of the 2017 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshals.

3:04 ‘It’s about relationship building’: Tsuut’ina First-Nation Chief Lee Crowchild

Tsuut’ina Nation 

Chief Lee Crowchild – Tsuut’ina Nation

Each year, the parade showcases more than 150 western-themed entries, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses and 4,000 people.

“The Calgary Stampede parade is an iconic community celebration,” Sibbald said.

“The Stampede is a community gathering place, and it is important that we preserve, protect and grow the home fires of our western heritage.”

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WATCH: Global’s Leslie Horton talks to Calgary Stampede President Dave Sibbald about the 2017 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshals.

2:04 ‘I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while’: Calgary Stampede President Dave Sibbald

The 2017 Calgary Stampede parade will be held on Friday, July 7.

This year, the parade route has changed directions. The Calgary Stampede said the move was made to make for easier movement toward Stampede Park once the parade has passed.

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2017 PARADE SCHEDULE

• 7:30 a.m. – Parade Prelude
• 9 a.m. – Parade starts at the intersection of 9 Avenue and 1 Street S.E.
• 1 p.m. – Parade ends at the intersection of 6 Avenue and Macleod Trail
• 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Free admission to the Calgary Stampede                                                         

Former Stampede parade marshals include Jann Arden and Paul Brandt, Olympian Kaillie Humphries, actor William Shatner, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Man in Motion Rick Hansen, actor Christopher Reeve and Mickey Mouse.

GALLERY: Past Calgary Stampede parade marshals

The 2017 Calgary Stampede runs from July 7 to 16.