By Kaylum Red Gun
On Wednesday, July 8, at the Calgary Stampede Elbow River Camp, Trinity Sitting Eagle hosted her first special in her role as the Siksika Band Designate Princess. This Women’s Traditional special welcomed many dancers and drew a big crowd of Stampede attendees. Talented dancers competed in a tough competition for 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place spots.
Originally, the role of the Siksika Band Designate Princess was to act as a cultural ambassador for children who are within the system. They were tasked with advocating and assisting in reconnecting kinship outside the Alberta jurisdiction in the hopes of bringing home those separated from Siksika to compensate for residential school and its effects. The Band Designate Princess was a position that was used to help dissolve the residential and historical apprehension process that created a rift between “siksikaipowasin” (way of life) for many children and families as a whole during that period. Today, the title is still used to advocate and represent Siksika cultural reconnection and representation while honoring the roots of its beginnings. Before running for the role, Trinity Sitting Eagle was rooted in her culture and ways of living, having previous experience as a member of the Siksika Prairie Chicken Society “Kitokiiks” and through her upbringing. The culmination of her upbringing and experiences is what helped guide her in running for this princess role. In October 2025, Sitting Eagle competed in the Siksika Nation Band Designate Princess Pageant. She successfully secured her position during that pageant and now holds the title of Sr. Band designate princess for 2026-2027. Currently in grade 11 and transitioning into grade 12, Sitting Eagle holds and continues to hold her education in high regard, maintaining one of the highest-grade averages throughout her education journey. Her current future horizons aim toward becoming a veterinarian through her love of animals and living critters. Recently, Sitting Eagle has received an exciting invitation to attend the Honolulu Intertribal Powwow as a Siksika Band Designate ambassador for a cultural exchange opportunity. When asked about her perspective on her current role, Sitting Eagle stated: “It’s a nice feeling to represent children in care! It’s an important cause, and it’s why I ran for Siksika Band Designate Princess; it’s because of what the title represents and stands for.”
As the 2026–2027 Siksika Band Designate Princess, Trinity Sitting Eagle continues to represent Siksika Nation with pride while advocating for children in care and promoting cultural reconnection. Through her leadership, education, and involvement in community events, she is carrying forward the purpose of the title while serving as a positive role model for future generations.
