Alexis Student meets the Queen during Calgary royal visit

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Veronica Kootenay's smile said everything about her pride, excitement and expectations as she anxiously waited for her appointment with the Queen during the royal visit to Calgary.

"We couldn't sleep last night because of the excitement. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Veronica," Desmonia Kootenay, Veronica's mother, said as they waited in the Palliser Hotel lobby June 27 for the appointed time to meet Queen Elizabeth.

Veronica, 8, a Grade 3 student at Alexis Elementary School, was one of the four winners of the government of Alberta's school essay contest. "She is representing all students from Grade 1 to 4 in Alberta," said her teacher Ruben Bauer. Alexis reserve is 60 miles northwest of Edmonton.

In her essay, a letter to Queen Elizabeth, Veronica said she enjoyed school and liked her teacher. She said Queen Elizabeth was pretty with her crown and that the Alexis chief wore a headdress much like the crown worn by the Queen.

"Here is a girl talking to the whole nation about hope and freedom, " Bauer said. "It is very timely considering what is happening with the Canadian Constitution."

Dressed in a dark buckskin outfit with beaded moccasins and hairpiece, Veronica attracted much attention. CBC videotaped her departure from Edmonton International Airport and she was interviewed by the local newspaper and photographed extensively until she tired of it at the end of the session.

Veronica was also escorted by her Aunt Silvia Aginas, who replaced Veronica's grandmother at the last moment because she was afraid of flying, and her principal Donald Tessier. They had an opportunity to meet Minister of Education Jim Dinning and other dignitaries like Calgary's board of education chairperson.

A crowd of about 200 people gathered to see and applaud the Queen as she walked by before entering the Oval Room where Veronica had a private audience.

Alexis Chief Howard Mustus accompanied Veronica at the meeting with the Queen. He used the short time he had to ask for her intervention on behalf of Indians in talks on the Constitution and land claims. Mustus said the Queen did not respond to his request but continued with the award ceremony.

This was not the first time the Kootney family have had the honor of meeting royalty. Veronica's aunt received an awarded from the Queen in 1979 for bravery. Donna Potts saved the lives of her brothers, rescuing them from a burning house.