Tsuutina leader captures world audience as part of G7 welcoming delegation

A Treaty 7 leader is being lauded for how he handled himself in a brief encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Group of Seven or G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta. Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild was part of the welcoming delegation as world leaders arrived for the summit. In a statement posted online, Crowchild said he almost didn’t stay because of Trump. “As I stood on the tarmac next to my good friend Jyoti (Gondek, Calgary mayor) I watched Trump approach each delegate before me, and I thought of those suffering around the world, my son, my nation, my ancestors, and waited for him to approach” Crowchild said. Crowchild spoke in his Tsuut’ina language in full regalia as he showed Trump his treaty medal and told him it’s older than Canada and that “this is native land.” “I spoke for my elders, babies, and future generations, and spoke for peace and protecting water for future generations,” Crowchild said. “I tried to say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honour and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell. I take assurance in knowing a message of protecting water and peace was spoken to world leaders.” Trump arrived at the Calgary airport with other international leaders for two days of talks regarding a number of issues including tariffs, the war in Ukraine and increased hostilities between Israel and Iran – plus the situation in Gaza. Crowchild was among a number of leaders chosen to be in the reception line. My thanks to the Treaty 7 Chiefs for welcoming me and the entire G7 delegation to your traditional territory. This Summit is an opportunity to create more prosperity and security for our world, and your partnership is an essential part of its success. pic.twitter.com/Zl4bHMcSlz — Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 16, 2025 “Instead of war, I chose peace. Instead of hate, I chose love. Instead of hostility, I tried my best to show humanity. He was just another person, like the ones I greeted before him (some would say a horrible person and we all know many reasons why). I felt strong with my feather hat, which I received a transfer for yesterday, my treaty suit, my beadwork, and good medicine. I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut’ina. Close as it gets,” Crowchild said. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak praised Crowchild on his appearance at the G7 in a social media post Monday. “Steven represented more than just himself—he stood tall for his people, for water, for the next generations, and for all of us watching who know how heavy that role can be. His words remind us that visibility, when guided by prayer and purpose, can be medicine too,” Woodhouse Nepinak said in her post. “Much respect to him and his family.” Woodhoouse Nepinak didn’t attend as part of the welcoming delegation, instead hosting a nationwide virtual forum for First Nations leaders on the federal government’s One Canadian Economy Act-Bill C-5 as they grapple with the implications of the bill. Woodhouse Nepinak shared what Crowchild had to say about his appearance as part of the delegation welcoming world leaders. International media also took note of Crowchild’s speech. ABC News noted on its website what Crowchild had to say about Trump causing “pain and suffering.” “Ay hay Steven for sharing this powerful reflection. Yes, it’s true that tokenism was present—but it’s also true that Steven saw it, named it, and met that moment with strength, intention, and prayer. That’s what sets this apart. He didn’t just show up—he showed up with spirit, language, regalia, and teachings,” Woodhouse Nepinak said. “That kind of presence—on a global stage, in full awareness of the contradictions and pain—is resistance. It’s diplomacy rooted in land and ancestors. It’s speaking truth to power in a way only we can, carrying not just the burden but also the beauty of our nations.” APTN News is in Kananaskis covering the G7 Summit which continues through Tuesday. Continue Reading