By Tyrone Sitting Eagle
Bert Crowfoot is a proud member of the Siksika Nation and has spent decades contributing to radio, media, and journalism in Canada. With a wide range of skills and the ability to take on many roles, Crowfoot has worked as a photographer, writer, coach, and much more throughout his career. With more than 45 years in journalism, his impact has been far-reaching and widely recognized.
Over the years, Crowfoot has received numerous awards and honours, including an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta and induction into the Aboriginal Walk of Honour in Edmonton in 2006. He has also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Province of Alberta and was named one of Venture Magazine’s “50 Most Influential Individuals in Alberta” in 2004, Venture Magazine’s “100 Individuals who built Alberta” in 2005 and was transferred a headdress from his family in 2024.
Crowfoot is the founder of Windspeaker Media and has played a key role in establishing several radio stations, including The Raven, CJWE and CFWE, among many other achievements.
Most recently, Crowfoot was appointed an Officer to the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour in the country. The Order of Canada is awarded by the Governor General and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and sustained contributions throughout their lifetime. The honour acknowledges achievements across all sectors of society and is presented at three levels—Companion (C.C.), Officer (O.C.), and Member (C.M.)—recognizing volunteers, scientists, artists, and others who have helped enrich Canadian society..
“I found out back in October, and they told me I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone but my immediate family until they announced it on December 31st,” said Crowfoot in an interview with Siksika Media.
Crowfoot described the experience as surreal, explaining that the recognition felt less like motivation and more like validation of the work he had dedicated his life to. Reflecting on his journey, he thought back to 1977, when a friend first asked him to cover a basketball tournament—an opportunity that would eventually lead to being hired full time as a sports reporter at the Native People newspaper.
From there, he learned how to operate the newspaper which led to the creation of Windspeaker Media.
Throughout his life, Crowfoot said he hadn’t fully realized how far he had come, and receiving this award meant a great deal to him.
“I was happy, ecstatic, excited, and felt a full range of emotions,” Crowfoot said.
He also shared that one of the most satisfying parts of receiving the honour was hearing from former players he coached during the 1980s to 2000’s. Crowfoot, who coached softball and was named Coach of the Year, received messages from many of his former players congratulating him on his achievements, making the moment even more meaningful.
As well, Crowfoot was not given this award just for the work he has done in one sector. It is a recognition of all the work he has done in radio, journalism, coaching, photography, and media.
In turn, Crowfoot has made a huge contribution to both mainstream and Indigenous media. He has paved the road and laid the foundation for future Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are striving for a career in media. He has achieved a great deal, and receiving the Order of Canada is a validation of the work he has done over the course of his career.
