Traditional values, youth representation among priorities for Stampede's 2024 First Nations Princess

The Calgary Stampede's 2024 First Nations Princess is a 22-year-old jingle dancer from the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

Margaret Holloway grew up in Elbow River Camp on the northeast side of the Stampede Grounds. She hopes to represent Indigenous youth during her time while spreading awareness about traditional Stoney values.

Holloway, who was awarded the title on Sunday, said that she was excited and thrilled to receive the honour.

"It's a big feeling that I can't even describe. My family has been a part of the Calgary Stampede for decades now. They were one of the first teepees to ever be put up at the Stampede," she said.

"I couldn't be [happier] and I'm just so excited to take part as an ambassador at the Stampede."

Holloway will be a part of several activities next year as the Stampede's First Nations Princess. She will also act as a Stampede representative at multiple events.

She will assume her new role on Jan. 1, 2024, taking over from 2023 First Nations Princess Alayiah Wolf Child.

Holloway credits her family for helping her achieve this milestone and supporting her throughout the journey.

"The whole reason why I'm here today is to make my mother proud and to make my family proud," she said.

"They've always pushed me…to be in this position and they're the reason I'm here because I want to do it for them."

Holloway hopes to represent traditional Stoney values through her new platform.

"Our language is a big part that I can't wait to showcase and just our side of doing things," she said.

"We all come from the same place in Canada, but we all have our unique ways of doing things."

She added that she's watched other First Nations Princesses in the past and couldn't help but feel inspired by their transformation.

"The person that you see [in the beginning]…is not the same person you see at the farewell. And I'm really excited to see how I develop over the year," Holloway said.

An important milestone

Terri Jo Lennox, the outgoing chair of the Calgary Stampede First Nations events committee, believes that Holloway has a lot to bring to the table.

"From public speaking to cultural knowledge and interpersonal skills, Margaret will be an incredible ambassador for the Calgary Stampede and Elbow River Camp," she said in a statement.

 "She is the first princess from Stoney Nakoda to be crowned in over two decades and we are excited to see how she uses this platform to share more about her culture and traditions."

Alex Laidlaw, chair of the First Nations Events Committee echoed this sentiment and said that it will be exciting to see Holloway in her new role.

"It's wonderful to have her as a family member of a teepee holder and someone who's grown up with Stampede to be able to take on this role," he said.

"To have someone who's already so familiar with Stampede and who knows the camp and the families around the camp so well to be able to be in this role, it's very exciting."