Chondra Fox from the Kainai Nation was crowned the 2027 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess Sunday afternoon. Fox and three other candidates showcased their cultural knowledge, traditional dance, public speaking, and interview skills as part of the competition. The 23-year-old says she will spend her reign creating spaces and experiences that bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together and also wants to be a role model to young girls. “A big thing that I remind all Indigenous people and all Indigenous youth to remember is that any journey 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.” says Fox. “And so, again, like my authenticity, my willingness to learn, and my want to connect with others is really going to be the best way that I can represent my people.” Her Blackfoot name is Naamitapiaakii, meaning Lone Woman. Fox is also the sixth representative from the Kainai Nation to be crowned the Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess. “I’m very inspired by the women who come before me, and it really just reinforces that connection I have to wearing this crown and to wanting to do it justice, to wanting to represent with dignity and respect, and kindness and courage.” Fox will serve as an ambassador of the Calgary Stampede alongside the 2027 Calgary Stampede Princess who will be crowned Friday. Their reigns run from January 1 to December 31, 2027, and they will attend hundreds of events over the course of the year, including the Calgary Stampede which runs from July 9-18. With files from CTV News Calgary’s Darren Wright
