Calgary – In a celebration of history and cultural pride, Margaret Holloway from the Stoney Nakoda Nation was crowned the 2024 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess.
“From public speaking to cultural knowledge and interpersonal skills, Margaret will be an incredible ambassador for the Calgary Stampede and Elbow River Camp,” says Terri Jo Lennox, outgoing Chair of the First Nations Events Committee. “She is the first Princess from Stoney Nakoda to be crowned in over two decades and we are excited to see how she uses this platform to share more about her culture and traditions.”
Holloway is a 22-year-old jingle dancer raised in the traditional ways of the Stoney values. She is the granddaughter of long time and respected Elders and Tipi Holders, Eddie and Elsie Holloway of Tipi 24 and a devoted student who recently started her university business study.
“It’s such an honour to be crowned the 2024 First Nations Princess,” says Holloway. “Growing up in Elbow River Camp, I have a unique perspective on the deep connection between the Calgary Stampede and the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina First Nations. I am looking forward to sharing my traditional upbringing and deep-rooted connections to the community.”
With a passion for creating and designing her own regalia and beadwork, Holloway wants to be a strong voice for Indigenous youth during her reign and beyond, helping to advance her community and preserve the traditional way of life.
Her reign will officially begin on January 1, 2024 when 2023 First Nations Princess, Alayiah Wolf Child, will pass the crown to Holloway.
The Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess is a member of a Treaty 7 First Nation and shares her culture with audiences at hundreds of events annually, including speaking engagements, joining classrooms, and performing traditional dances.
As an ambassador of Elbow River Camp presented by Enbridge, the First Nations Princess also speaks to the historic partnership between families from the Stoney Nakoda, Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, and Tsuut’ina First Nations and the Calgary Stampede.
The 2024 Calgary Stampede Royalty will consist of the First Nations Princess and soon-to-be crowned Calgary Stampede Princess. Each year the reigning Royals share and celebrate Stampede’s western heritage, cultures and community spirit locally and around the world.
About the Calgary Stampede The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Greer
Manager, Communications & Media Relations
Calgary Stampede
T 403.585.0467
E sgreer@calgarystampede.com
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