KANANASKIS, Alberta (AP) — Steven Crowchild, a Tsuut’ina First Nation leader, said he was “filled with rage” and nearly walked away before meeting Donald Trump at the G7 summit, citing the former U.S. president’s role in global pain and suffering.
Instead, after prayer and consulting his community, Crowchild chose to stay, greeting Trump in traditional regalia and engaging in a long, intense conversation about peace and protecting water. “I almost didn’t stay,” he said. “But visibility is key and diplomacy matters.”
Speaking in his traditional language, Crowchild showed Trump treaty medals older than Canada, aiming to represent his people with honor and dignity. “I spoke for my elders,” he said, adding he also urged other world leaders to be good stewards of water and peace.
Despite his feelings, Crowchild said, “I choose peace. I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut’ina Isgiya.”