Skip to content

'We can accomplish a lot': Bearspaw chief and council sworn in at inauguration

“I know there’s many issues I can stand here and talk about; a lot of challenges that we face as people,” Dixon told the crowd. “As leaders and Nation members, I think if we all work together with the advice of our elders, our young people, and the spiritual guidance of the pipe holders, we can accomplish a lot.”

STONEY NAKODA – Recently elected Bearspaw First Nation chief and councillors delivered one clear message at their inauguration ceremony: fostering further collaboration between Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation bands is essential to successfully improve the lives of future generations.

In his address, Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon alluded to some of the issues facing the community after thanking a long list of supporters.

“I know there’s many issues I can stand here and talk about; a lot of challenges that we face as people,” Dixon told the crowd. “As leaders and Nation members, I think if we all work together with the advice of our elders, our young people, and the spiritual guidance of the pipe holders, we can accomplish a lot.”

Chiefs and council, including those with Chiniki and Goodstoney Nations, were given three minutes to make their inauguration and congratulatory addresses at the event at Bearspaw Youth Centre Monday (Dec. 12), leaving little time to discuss issues at length during the ceremony. Most speeches were first delivered in Stoney, then English.

Dixon, who has served as chief of the Bearspaw band for 22 accumulative years, has highlighted housing availability and addressing the drug crisis as points of focus for council in recent elections.

He’s also noted the importance of keeping educated people in Îyârhe Nakoda communities. Though, some have been critical of the number of non-Nation members working for Stoney Nation in various professional capacities, where there are several Îyârhe Nakoda people to fill those roles.

In the last three-year term, Bearspaw Nation took major steps to invest in the band’s economic independence and development portfolio, pushing the federal government to release control of its resource funds in 2021, acquiring Edmonton-based Clearwave Broadband earlier this year, and opening the Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre in 2019.

At the time of its opening, the travel centre – which includes an Esso gas station, Tim Hortons, gift shop and a private lounge area for truckers with change rooms and showers – was reported to be employing members of all three bands, with 90 per cent of employees from Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation.

Bearspaw Nation currently employs over 70 community members through its businesses, which also include the Centex and Subway located in Mînî Thnî, as well as Chiniki First Nation co-owned Stoney Nakoda Telecom.

“We’ve gotten our Bearspaw First Nation development cooperation off the ground and it’s been very, very successful in diversifying our economic development,” said band CEO Robb Shotclose, noting the Nation would also be providing all per capita distribution (PCD) Christmas payments to band members from band-owned and operated business revenues this year.

After successfully securing its resource funds from the federal government last year and developing the Ozîja Thiha Legacy Trust, the Nation also created the Ozîja Thiha Education Trust – a scholarship program available to post-secondary, high school and mature students in the band. The first round of recipients was announced in November, with 79 students receiving awards totalling $34,100.

Professional trustees manage the education fund, which operates independently from Bearspaw chief and council.

In a statement released at the time of the trust announcement, Dixon said the establishment of the trust for present and future generations gives the Nation a “solid financial footing for the betterment of our people and a promising future.”

“I think we have to continue working with the youth,” said newly elected Coun. Keith Lefthand at the inauguration. “Our young people are the future leaders of the bands of the Stoney Tribe. It’s our job to try and do the best we can to help our young people, to create opportunities for them.”

Re-elected Bearspaw Coun. Pierre Lefthand thanked band members for their vote, stressing the role of council to meet the needs of the community, as prioritized by the community.

“Thank you for re-electing me for another term, for believing in me … it’s going to be a journey with many challenges, but anything can be done,” he said. “We will work with you towards your needs, and in our role as leaders, we’ll work hard together as Bearspaw Nation, with Goodstoney and Chiniki [Nations].”

The three-hour inauguration began with a pipe ceremony and the chief and all members of council were presented with a Pendleton blanket along with a feather from an Eagle – an animal of significant spiritual importance to Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation, symbolizing strength, truth and power. 


The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks