Chondra Fox crowned 2027 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess

Four contestants took the stage Sunday to compete for the title of 2027 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess, sharing their stories and culture before Chondra Fox of Kainai Nation was crowned the winner.

The ceremony at the Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre began with opening remarks recognizing the Calgary Stampede’s 114-year relationship with Treaty 7 First Nations and the families who bring their tipis to Elbow River Camp.

The four contestants, Fox, Tianna Crowchild of Tsuut’ina Nation, Ivy Lefthand of Stoney Nakoda and Savannah Delaney-Wolf Child of Kainai Nation, were introduced before taking part in several parts of the competition.

The contestants answered impromptu questions, performed traditional dances and delivered prepared speeches, sharing their perspectives, ambitions and connections to their cultures.

The ceremony also honoured outgoing princess Reagan First Rider with a slideshow highlighting moments from her year in the role, followed by the presentation of a gift in recognition of her time as princess.

First Rider, who began her reign at 19, said the experience helped her grow as a public speaker and gave her opportunities to share her Blackfoot culture and represent Treaty 7.

Reflecting on the relationships she built during her reign, First Rider said leaving the role was bittersweet.

“The challenging thing about that is saying goodbye. I’m so sad that this is over, but I’m also so happy that this happened and I cannot wait to see what comes better from this program, from this next girl, and the girl after that, and the girl after that, and to see the growth through it, because this whole sisterhood has been something amazing,” First Rider said. “I’m super proud to be able to have all of these awesome older sisters.”

Following the competition and farewell to First Rider, Fox was crowned the 2027 princess.

“It doesn’t feel real yet,” Fox said after the announcement.

Fox said the role is an opportunity to build connections with people while remaining grounded in her own identity and community.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with people, building relationships, learning more about my culture, then being able to represent that knowledge and being a role model to young girls,” Fox said. “Any journey you walk as an Indigenous person is an Indigenous walk. You never have to stick to a cookie-cutter footprint of what people want you to be.”

Fox said she grew in confidence during the competition, particularly in public speaking, and valued the connections she built with the other contestants.

She was encouraged to enter by Vanessa Stiffarm, the Calgary Stampede’s Elbow River Camp coordinator and a former First Nations Princess.

Stiffarm said the role has grown over the past decade, with the princess serving as an ambassador for her Nation, Elbow River Camp and the Stampede.

The yearlong reign runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 and includes appearances at schools, Stampede events and other community gatherings.

Beyond representing the Stampede, the princess helps introduce people outside Treaty 7 communities to First Nations histories and cultures.

Stiffarm said she hopes people recognize that First Nations communities continue to thrive in their cultures and identities, and want to share their knowledge and build connections with others.

“I think a big thing I’ve always noticed is sometimes you’re the only First Nation person in the room, but to not let that intimidate you,” Stiffarm said. “You are there to share your story, educate others about First Nation culture, especially around Treaty 7, and it’s just something of an honour to really share that with other people.”

Fox will begin her yearlong reign on Jan. 1, representing Kainai Nation, Elbow River Camp and the Calgary Stampede at events throughout the year.