Indigenous Canadian Leader Expresses Overwhelming Anger Prior to Intense Dialogue with Trump
Canadian Indigenous Leader Holds Intense Talks with Trump at G7 Summit
KANANASKIS, Alberta — A Canadian Indigenous leader, who welcomed world leaders at the Group of Seven summit, admitted he was "boiling with anger" and almost walked out before Donald Trump's arrival. He explained that the American president has "inflicted a whole lot of pain and misery around the globe."
However, instead of quitting, Steven Crowchild, a prominent member of the Tsuut'ina First Nation, decided to prayerfully consult with his elders and stay on the tarmac for an extended conversation with Trump. This discussion, he hopes, will shed light on promoting peace, safeguarding clean water, and other fundamental concerns for Canada's First Nation communities.
"Let me tell you, it was quite the rollercoaster ride. I never thought I'd greet world leaders on Father's Day, and one controversial bloke at that," Crowchild recounted to the Associated Press on Monday, reflecting on his encounter with Trump on Sunday night in Calgary for the G7 in nearby Kananaskis.
In Canada, First Nations is a term that encompasses one of the three main legally recognized groups of Indigenous people. Crowchild, a Tsuut'ina Isgiya and an elected council member of the Tsuut'ina Nation Xakujaa-yina, wore feathered headgear during the meeting, which he found gave him a sense of power. He also showed Trump treaty medals he claimed predated Canada itself. Trump, clad in a white "Make America Great Again" cap, listened attentively, though neither side was willing to divulge the specifics of their dialogue.
"When it boiled down to that one person, I almost skipped the event," Crowchild confessed. "I was about ready to head home because I didn't want to inject any negativity into my people's atmosphere. But after talking things over with trusted advisors, I stayed, considering that visibility and diplomacy were crucial."
Determined not to leave without representing his people, Crowchild maintained contact with other arriving world leaders, reminding each of them to strive to be exemplary leaders and protect water resources for future generations.
"I represented my elders during the conversation, discussing the importance of promoting peace and preserving water for our future generations," he concluded, implying that, while Trump might not have absorbed his message, time will uncover its impact. "In the end, Trump is just another guy. Whether he's a big jerk or not, everyone knows the reasons—I stood tall as a proud Tsuut'ina Isgiya."
Weissert reported from Banff, Canada.
Enrichment Data:At the 2025 G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada, Canadian Indigenous leader Steven Crowchild of the Tsuut'ina First Nation engaged in a significant and intense conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Calgary. Crowchild, initially "boiling with anger," almost left before speaking to Trump but decided to stay and dialogue after consulting with his elders[1][4]. During the meeting, Crowchild wore traditional feathered headgear and spoke in his people's language, presenting Trump with treaty medals that predated Canada itself, emphasizing the longstanding and sovereign status of Indigenous peoples[1]. The main issues discussed between the two parties focused on Indigenous rights, peace promotion, and environmental protection, particularly clean water[1].
The interaction was significant, symbolizing an important gesture of Indigenous presence and advocacy at a major international summit, aiming to bring Indigenous concerns into global discourse, especially regarding peace and environmental stewardship[1]. The outcomes of the dialogue remain largely private, with no public announcements or specific commitments reported[1].
"The intense conversation between Steven Crowchild, a Canadian Indigenous leader, and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the 2025 G7 summit in Kananaskis was not just about politics or general news, but also a discussion about war-and-conflicts, given that it centered around Indigenous rights and peace promotion."
"Furthermore, this meeting underscores the intersection of politics and war-and-conflicts with general news, as it highlighted the importance of Indigenous issues and environmental concerns in the global discourse, specifically in the context of the G7 summit."
