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Page 14
No one ever imagined that the site where the Peigan Indians roamed and ran buffalo over the cliff would be the place of pomp and ceremony 150 year later.
Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, located 15 km west of Fort MacLeod in southern Alberta, was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of York, July 23.
Under ideal weather conditions, Prince Andrew and Sarah were greeted with shouts of "Happy Anniversary" from the 4,000 people present when they arrived at the afternoon ceremonies.
Dressed in a green print dress with a large purple bow in her red braided hair, Sarah waved to the crowd while she walked to the podium greeting dignitaries.
Pegian and Blood elders, Joe Crow Shoe, Sr. and Harry Shade blessed the opening ceremonies. Representing the Christian churches was Archdeacon Derek Hoskin.
Alberta's minister of culture and multiculturalism, told the Royal Couple that they were celebrating their anniversary in a place not associated with romanticism.
Prince Andrew said when the trip to the Buffalo Jump was first discussed a year ago, they did not know what the place signified.
"We (Andrew and Sarah" are celebrating one year of history but we pale into insignificance of this site and its 5,000 year history."
The Royal Couple then unveiled a commemorative plaque in recognition of the site designated a World Heritage Site by U.N.E.S.C.O. in 1981.
Prince Andrew and Sarah then left the podium for a 35 minute tour of the Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Interpretive Centre. They were presented with flowers by three-year-old Peigan Tia Potts, a descendent of Jerry Potts, a well-known guide.
The Royal Couple then stopped for a few minutes to chat and thank Calgary Native artist, Joanne Cardinal-Schubert for her painting, entitled, Ghost Dance, presented to them on behalf of the Alberta government.
Shortly after their arrival from their tour, Prince Andrew and Sarah were greeted with a group from the Pikinni School on the Peigan Reserve who sang a Blackfoot song. The song was in celebration of their first wedding anniversary and a safe journey home.
"That's very good ? exceptional," said Sarah patting the heads of the small Peigan children.
Indian Association of Alberta president, Gregg Smith, took advantage of the opportunity to remind Prince Andrew that the Canadian government is still working towards breaking treaty promises made with the Queen more than 100 years ago.
Smith said that "Prince Andrew realizes that situation with the Queen has to continue but did not make any commitments."
Media reporters and photographers had their chance to get their picture and story of the day when the Royal Couple were given a buffalo trophy head. Clutching the head and posing freely, Prince Andrew and Sarah seemed to appreciate the gift from the Peigan Nation.
Presenting the buffalo head was William Big Bull, Jr., a member of the Peigan band and the Buffalo Jump advisory board, said the Royal Couple will display it in a prominent place in their home in England.
Numerous gifts were presented by both Peigan Chief Peter Yellow Horn and Blood Chief Roy Fox to the couple.
The Royal Couple have been in Canada since July 15 and will depart Aug. 9 following a trip to Yellowknife, NWT.
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