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.”
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
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.”
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.
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.