Feeling slighted by organizers of Calgary royal visit, Siksika snubs Queen

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Siksika Nation has passed a Band Council Resolution to withdraw from participating in the visit of Queen Elizabeth 2 to Calgary.

The band said Indians were relegated to a token position for the June 29 royal visit.

Kathleen McHugh, portfolio holder of communications for Siksika, said the Indians hadn't been invited to any functions. Their participation was limited to setting up an Indian village in Spruce Meadows Equestrian Center.

"We are expected to dress up for the Queen in Indian outfits but no invitations were extended to attend other functions such as the special performance at Jack Singer Hall or the dinner hosted by the premier.

"In light of the efforts of Indians in Manitoba and their light for recognition for our contribution to Canada over the past 100 years, I would say our participation in the Queen's visit is a slap in the face," said McHugh.

Graham Sherwood, chief of protocol and royal visit coordinator, was unavailable for comment on Siksika's decision.

The day after the band council resolution was passed an invitation to the banquet hosted by the mayor of Calgary was sent to the chief of Siksika's decision.

"All Treaty 7 chiefs and their spouses have been invited to the luncheon. It will be held in the atrium of city hall June 27," said Leann Hackman, special assistant in the mayor's office.

She said events on the visit are coordinated by a number of groups.

Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is hosting the function at Jack Singer Hall and Premier Don Getty is hosting the dinner the following day. The Queen is also scheduled to tour the Red Deer regional hospital June 28.

Blood Chief Roy Fox has decided to attend the official welcoming ceremonies and the luncheon with the Queen.

Wallace Many Fingers, coordinator of the Blood's participation in the Queen's visit, said "we do not have a problem about being there. We can sympathize with Siksika's position on this matter but we made a commitment to be there."

Many Fingers said "the level of funding will determine the extent of our participation." He said the Bloods also prepared a petition for an official response from the Queen regarding land claims and other topics.