Wanner Receives Chiefdomship From Kainai

Bob Wanner following reception of an honourary Kainai Nation chiefdomship and Blackfoot name, One Who Runs In Front on Monday. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

Hatter Bob Wanner received a headdress from Kainai elder Wilton Good Striker along with the Blackfoot name One Who Runs In Front during a chiefdom ceremony at Medicine Hat College Monday afternoon.

Wanner said the honour comes with responsibilities.

“The responsibility to do as much as I can to protect the interests of not only the Blackfoot Nation but the Indigenous people generally and, we as a community in southeastern Alberta,” he said following the ceremony.

A longtime city resident, Wanner was given the honour in recognition of his efforts in being an ally to Indigenous people in the province.

Some of those efforts by the former MLA and speaker of the Alberta assembly included advocating for the repatriation of Indigenous remains excavated from Medicine Hat as well as installation of original artwork by Alex Janvier in the legislature chamber. He also took part in touring numerous Indigenous nations during his time at the legislature.

Part of a large contingent of Blackfoot chiefs, elders and dignitaries at the Kainai chiefdomship ceremony at the Medicine Hat College on Monday. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

Wanner noted recognition of Indigenous treaties appears to be better understood in the northern part of the province compared to what he’s seen as a member of the Hat community over the past four decades.

“But I think it is changing,” he added.

The ceremony featured the Old Agency Drummers playing and singing throughout the event which was marked by a sense of humour but tempered by the seriousness of reconciliation efforts.

The chiefdom recognition is, “a way to add to the strength of any community where you find individuals who are honourable in the way they live their lives, how they conduct themselves and they are found deserving of such an honour,” said Eldon Weasel Child, Sisksika Nation elder.

Wanner described receiving the chiefdomship as being more than just an honour.

“Honour is an underestimation of the feelings that I have,” he said.

The ceremony also recognized Calgary-based lawyer Joanne Crook and her allyship to the Kainai.

The Medicine Hat Ancestors Reburial Project involving Indigenous remains held by the University of Alberta and advocated to be returned to the city by Wanner will see a repatriation ceremony conducted on Sept. 23.