Submitted August 5, 2026
Oki! Nitsi tapimiiksi,
I am submitting a long overdue letter of appreciation for one of our former Chiefs, Ouray Crowfoot. My initial plan was to submit this letter this past January but chose to respectfully submit it at an appropriate time. As a Siksika Nation member, who has been living off the reserve since March 1, 1980, and felt compelled, at this time, to publicly acknowledge Chief Ouray Crowfoot.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Mr. Ouray Crowfoot for serving Siksika Nation as Chief for two consecutive terms (2019-2025). I have the utmost respect for Mr. Ouray Crowfoot, who I see as an example of an exemplary leader. As a Chief, he led with excellence, integrity, respect, professionalism, and one who utilized his education quite well! Whenever I saw Mr. Ouray Crowfoot either in the media, newspapers, or out in public events, he conducted himself with the utmost professionalism. As a Siksika Nation member, I am humbly proud to have had Mr. Ouray Crowfoot as our Chief for the Siksika Nation for two consecutive terms.
I have come to know some of the Crowfoot family members. They have been so kind, friendly, humble, and an inspiration. My late parents Gilbert and Violet Bear Hat’s compliments of the Crowfoots still echoes in my memory. I look to the Crowfoots as role models in their pursuit of higher education and ongoing professionalism. This has inspired me to continue to pursue my educational goals with excellence and professionalism.
Also, I would like to take this time to acknowledge the Crowfoot family that have served as a Chief: Treaty 7 signatory Chief Crowfoot, late Chief Joe Crowfoot, Strater Crowfoot, and our current Chief Samuel Crowfoot.
The five Crowfoot family members: Chief Crowfoot, Joe Crowfoot, Strater Crowfoot, Ouray Crowfoot, and our current Chief Samuel Crowfoot, who have served as Chief for our Siksika Nation is historical!
Thank you for your time, and may God bless you all!
Respectfully submitted by Aileen Bear Hat-Bear Chief, Siksika Nation member.
