Latest news with #Crowchild


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Steven Crowchild, Canada's indigenous leader calls US President Trump ‘just another person', says ‘ I stood taller than him' at G7
As world leaders descended on Calgary for the G7 summit, the mood on the runway was charged - none more so than for Steven Crowchild , a council member of the Tsuut'ina First Nation. Crowchild, who was tasked with welcoming the international dignitaries, revealed he was 'filled with rage' and considered leaving before U.S. President Donald Trump 's arrival, citing the pain and distress Trump's policies have caused globally. Steven Crowchild is a prominent Indigenous leader and elected Minor Chief (Councillor) of the Tsuut'ina Nation , located near Calgary, Alberta, Canada . With over five years of leadership experience on the Tsuut'ina Nation's Chief and Council, Crowchild has become a key advocate for his community, focusing on issues of sovereignty , environmental protection, and Indigenous rights. He has been vocal about the historic and ongoing injustices faced by First Nations peoples, including the legacy of residential schools and ongoing challenges around land, water, and treaty rights. Instead of walking away, Crowchild chose to remain after prayer and consultation with other Indigenous leaders. 'It was truly intense, to say the least,' Crowchild said, recalling the unexpected encounter on Father's Day. 'When I woke up, I never expected to be meeting world leaders - especially one individual who has caused so much pain and suffering in the world'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo During their extended conversation, Crowchild spoke to Trump in his people's traditional language, wore feathered regalia that empowered him, and presented the former president with treaty medals - symbols that, as he pointed out, predate the founding of Canada itself. The moment was deeply symbolic: Trump, donning his signature white 'Make America Great Again' cap, appeared to listen attentively, though both men declined to share the specifics of their exchange. Reflecting on the encounter, Crowchild said about the US president that, 'He's just another person,' and that 'I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut'ina.' He explained that, instead of responding with hostility, he chose to embody love and humanity, standing firm in his identity and heritage. Live Events Crowchild's decision to stay was rooted in a desire to spotlight issues critical to First Nations communities, including the protection of clean water, the promotion of peace, and the honoring of treaties. 'I hope this meeting will call more attention to promoting peace, protecting clean water, and other issues key to Canada's First Nation peoples,' he explained. In Canada, 'First Nations' refers to one of three major legally recognized groups of Indigenous peoples . Crowchild, who identifies as Tsu'inasgiya and serves on the Tsuut'ina Nation's Chief and Council, said the encounter was not just about personal anger but about channeling that emotion into advocacy for his people and their enduring rights. The meeting, though brief in the context of global diplomacy, underscored the emotional and political complexities Indigenous leaders face when engaging with world powers - especially those whose policies have far-reaching impacts on their communities.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Canadian Indigenous leader says he was 'filled with rage' before 'intense' conversation with Trump
KANANASKIS, Alberta (AP) — A Canadian Indigenous leader who greeted world heads of state arriving for the Group of Seven summit says he was 'filled with rage' and considered leaving before Donald Trump arrived — saying the U.S. president has 'caused much pain and suffering in the world.' Instead, Steven Crowchild prayed, consulted with his peoples' leaders and ultimately opted to stay on the tarmac for a long conversation with Trump that he hopes will call more attention to promoting peace, protecting clean water and other issues key to Canada's First Nation peoples. 'It was really intense, to say the least," Crowchild told The Associated Press on Monday, recalling his lengthy encounter with Trump on Sunday night in Calgary for the G7 in nearby Kananaskis. 'When I woke up on Father's Day, I didn't anticipate I would be seeing world leaders, and one certain individual that has caused much pain and suffering in the world.' In Canada, First Nations refers to one of three major legally recognized groups of aboriginal people. Crowchild, of the Tsuut'ina First Nation, is a Tsuut'ina Isgiya and a current elected member of the Tsuut'ina Nation Xakujaa-yina and Chief and Council. Crowchild said he spoke in his people's traditional language, wore feathered headgear that made him feel strong and showed Trump treaty medals that he told the president were older than Canada itself. Trump wore a white 'Make America Great Again' cap and appeared to be listening at length — though both sides declined to comment on exactly what was said. 'When it came to that one individual, I almost didn't stay. I was filled with rage,' Crowchild said. 'I was going to go home because I didn't want to bring any negativity to my people. However, I did consult with close people and advisers and, based on feedback, I stayed, considering that visibility is key and diplomacy is important." Aware that 'no Indigenous representation was there at the time,' Crowchild said he 'prayed to my creator' and 'really thought of those suffering around the world' in choosing to speak to Trump. "Instead of war, I choose peace," he said. Crowchild said that, in addition to Trump, he greeted other arriving world leaders and "tried to remind each one of them to try to be a good leader and protect our water for future generations.' 'I spoke for my elders," Crowchild said, noting that he spoke of promoting peace and 'protecting water for future generations" and tried to 'say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honor and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell.' He said that, ultimately, the U.S. president is 'just another person." 'Some would say he's a horrible person, and we all know many reasons," Crowchild said. "I stood taller than him as proud Tsuut'ina Isgiya.' ___ Weissert reported from Banff, Canada.

2 days ago
- Politics
Canadian Indigenous leader says he was 'filled with rage' before 'intense' conversation with Trump
KANANASKIS, Alberta -- A Canadian Indigenous leader who greeted world heads of state arriving for the Group of Seven summit says he was 'filled with rage' and considered leaving before Donald Trump arrived — saying the U.S. president has 'caused much pain and suffering in the world.' Instead, Steven Crowchild prayed, consulted with his peoples' leaders and ultimately opted to stay on the tarmac for a long conversation with Trump that he hopes will call more attention to promoting peace, protecting clean water and other issues key to Canada's First Nation peoples. 'It was really intense, to say the least," Crowchild told The Associated Press on Monday, recalling his lengthy encounter with Trump on Sunday night in Calgary for the G7 in nearby Kananaskis. 'When I woke up on Father's Day, I didn't anticipate I would be seeing world leaders, and one certain individual that has caused much pain and suffering in the world.' In Canada, First Nations refers to one of three major legally recognized groups of aboriginal people. Crowchild, of the Tsuut'ina First Nation, is a Tsuut'ina Isgiya and a current elected member of the Tsuut'ina Nation Xakujaa-yina and Chief and Council. Crowchild said he spoke in his people's traditional language, wore feathered headgear that made him feel strong and showed Trump treaty medals that he told the president were older than Canada itself. Trump wore a white 'Make America Great Again' cap and appeared to be listening at length — though both sides declined to comment on exactly what was said. 'When it came to that one individual, I almost didn't stay. I was filled with rage,' Crowchild said. 'I was going to go home because I didn't want to bring any negativity to my people. However, I did consult with close people and advisers and, based on feedback, I stayed, considering that visibility is key and diplomacy is important." Aware that 'no Indigenous representation was there at the time,' Crowchild said he 'prayed to my creator' and 'really thought of those suffering around the world' in choosing to speak to Trump. "Instead of war, I choose peace," he said. Crowchild said that, in addition to Trump, he greeted other arriving world leaders and "tried to remind each one of them to try to be a good leader and protect our water for future generations.' 'I spoke for my elders," Crowchild said, noting that he spoke of promoting peace and 'protecting water for future generations" and tried to 'say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honor and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell.' He said that, ultimately, the U.S. president is 'just another person." 'Some would say he's a horrible person, and we all know many reasons," Crowchild said. "I stood taller than him as proud Tsuut'ina Isgiya.' Weissert reported from Banff, Canada.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Canadian Indigenous leader says he was 'filled with rage' before 'intense' conversation with Trump
KANANASKIS, Alberta (AP) — A Canadian Indigenous leader who greeted world heads of state arriving for the Group of Seven summit says he was 'filled with rage' and considered leaving before Donald Trump arrived — saying the U.S. president has 'caused much pain and suffering in the world.' Instead, Steven Crowchild prayed, consulted with his peoples' leaders and ultimately opted to stay on the tarmac for a long conversation with Trump that he hopes will call more attention to promoting peace, protecting clean water and other issues key to Canada's First Nation peoples. 'It was really intense, to say the least," Crowchild told The Associated Press on Monday, recalling his lengthy encounter with Trump on Sunday night in Calgary for the G7 in nearby Kananaskis. 'When I woke up on Father's Day, I didn't anticipate I would be seeing world leaders, and one certain individual that has caused much pain and suffering in the world.' In Canada, First Nations refers to one of three major legally recognized groups of aboriginal people. Crowchild, of the Tsuut'ina First Nation, is a Tsuut'ina Isgiya and a current elected member of the Tsuut'ina Nation Xakujaa-yina and Chief and Council. Crowchild said he spoke in his people's traditional language, wore feathered headgear that made him feel strong and showed Trump treaty medals that he told the president were older than Canada itself. Trump wore a white 'Make America Great Again' cap and appeared to be listening at length — though both sides declined to comment on exactly what was said. 'When it came to that one individual, I almost didn't stay. I was filled with rage,' Crowchild said. 'I was going to go home because I didn't want to bring any negativity to my people. However, I did consult with close people and advisers and, based on feedback, I stayed, considering that visibility is key and diplomacy is important." Aware that 'no Indigenous representation was there at the time,' Crowchild said he 'prayed to my creator' and 'really thought of those suffering around the world' in choosing to speak to Trump. "Instead of war, I choose peace," he said. Crowchild said that, in addition to Trump, he greeted other arriving world leaders and "tried to remind each one of them to try to be a good leader and protect our water for future generations.' 'I spoke for my elders," Crowchild said, noting that he spoke of promoting peace and 'protecting water for future generations" and tried to 'say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honor and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell.' He said that, ultimately, the U.S. president is 'just another person." 'Some would say he's a horrible person, and we all know many reasons," Crowchild said. "I stood taller than him as proud Tsuut'ina Isgiya.' ___ Weissert reported from Banff, Canada.


Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Canadian Indigenous leader says he was ‘filled with rage' before ‘intense' conversation with Trump
'It was really intense, to say the least,' Crowchild told The Associated Press on Monday, recalling his lengthy encounter with Trump on Sunday night in Calgary for the G7 in nearby Kananaskis. 'When I woke up on Father's Day, I didn't anticipate I would be seeing world leaders, and one certain individual that has caused much pain and suffering in the world.' In Canada, First Nations refers to one of three major legally recognized groups of aboriginal people. Crowchild, of the Tsuut'ina First Nation, is a Tsuut'ina Isgiya and a current elected member of the Tsuut'ina Nation Xakujaa-yina and Chief and Council. Advertisement Crowchild said he spoke in his people's traditional language, wore feathered headgear that made him feel strong and showed Trump treaty medals that he told the president were older than Canada itself. Trump wore a white 'Make America Great Again' cap and appeared to be listening at length — though both sides declined to comment on exactly what was said. Advertisement 'When it came to that one individual, I almost didn't stay. I was filled with rage,' Crowchild said. 'I was going to go home because I didn't want to bring any negativity to my people. However, I did consult with close people and advisers and, based on feedback, I stayed, considering that visibility is key and diplomacy is important.' Aware that 'no Indigenous representation was there at the time,' Crowchild said he 'prayed to my creator' and 'really thought of those suffering around the world' in choosing to speak to Trump. 'Instead of war, I choose peace,' he said. Crowchild said that, in addition to Trump, he greeted other arriving world leaders and 'tried to remind each one of them to try to be a good leader and protect our water for future generations.' 'I spoke for my elders,' Crowchild said, noting that he spoke of promoting peace and 'protecting water for future generations' and tried to 'say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honor and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell.' He said that, ultimately, the U.S. president is 'just another person.' 'Some would say he's a horrible person, and we all know many reasons,' Crowchild said. 'I stood taller than him as proud Tsuut'ina Isgiya.'