Siksika logo recognized by Governor General

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Gov.Gen. Ray Hnatyshyn recognized Siksika's coat of arms in a recent ceremony at the Siksika Nation commercial complex.

"This badge will be the first entry in a special first people section, volume one of the public register of flags and badges of Canada. It will be a permanent reminder of the particular relationship between Siksika Nation and Her Majesty the Queen. The badge tells us that whatever our origin, to remember and revere the proud history of a proud people," said the Governor General after signing the official document Oct. 13. The logo is the first symbol of a First Nation to be recorded in the registry of the heraldry of Canada in Ottawa.

The ceremony represented the end of month of work by the chief and council. In addition to approaching the governor General's office, the council commissioned the production of an eight-foot rendition of the Siksika logo in marble.

Chief Strator Crowfoot said the logo represents Siksika pride and heritage and portrays Siksika's move toward self-government.

The coat of arms, designed by Mark Wolf Leg, symbolizes the culture and history of the Siksika people, specifically the signing of the treaty in 1877.

The ceremony was graced with speeches from all quarters. In addition dignitaries, representatives of Siksika Nation and the Governor General's entourage exchange gifts. Hnatyshyn received a granite model of the logo from Chief Crowfoot, a beaded necktie from traditional Chief Leo Youngman and a coin set commemorating the centennial of the treaty from youth chief Maria Black. The chief and council, in return, received a coin depicting the Governor General and his wife.

Russell Wright, a local elder, translated the declaration into Blackfoot while an English version was read by Robert Watt, chief herald of Canada as the historic event was recorded by reporters.

After the letters of patent were signed, Siksika people an invite representative from the surrounding communities mingled with the Governor General's entourage, which consisted of RCMP officers in their scarlet uniforms, members of the office of the heraldry of Canada and guest mayors of surrounding communities.