About this Event
Every year on November 8, people across Canada pause to mark National Aboriginal Veterans Day. Established in 1994, it not only commemorates Indigenous Veterans’ service and sacrifice, but also acknowledges the historical injustices many faced during and after their military service.
In recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day, Calgary Salutes has chosen to pay tribute to the significant contribution made by the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples over our long, shared history, with a lecture that explores their military involvement, ranging from the distant to the more recent past.
Keynote speakers:
- Jerry Potts, Naamaakaakomi (Going to Shoot), is a member of the Northern Piikani Nation and is the fifth generation Jerry Potts. He retired from the Federal Government after 24 years as an Indigenous Liaison Advisor for Statistics Canada, working with all Indigenous groups, First Nations, Inuit and Metis.
He promotes cross-cultural relations with the goal of breaking down barriers and enhancing respectful communication. He and his wife are past holders of the Piikani Long Time Thunder Pipe. He is a ceremonial elder for Thunder Medicine Pipes, Brave Dogs and Horn Society. A self-taught pipe-maker, he has made Ceremonial Pipes for all Blackfoot ceremonialists and the Blackfoot Confederacy for 50 years.
His passion is working with the Piikani to develop a better understanding for archaeology sites, recognizing these sites as the Blackfoot footprint in Blackfoot Territory.
Elder Potts will speak on the life of Jerry Potts, the mixed heritage Kainai/Scottish scout who shaped Alberta - Earl Robert “Bob” Crane, Onastaipooka (Calf Child), is a member of Siksika First Nation and a retired Canadian Armed Forces Major. He served for 33 years, from 1970 to 2003, beginning in the ranks before being commissioned as an officer.
His career in Signals Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and military communications took him across Canada, including the High Arctic, and on exchange with the United States Navy in Florida. His overseas military service included the Gulf War and United Nations missions in the Golan Heights and Iran-Iraq.
Following his return from the Gulf War, Siksika honoured Bob with a Warrior Headdress in recognition of his military service. After retiring from the military, he undertook civilian assignments in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Haiti. He has also supported Indigenous veterans and mentored Indigenous people entering the military.
Now living at home on Siksika, Bob is studying the Blackfoot language and deepening his knowledge of his people’s history and traditions. For National Aboriginal Veterans Day, he brings a personal perspective on service, identity, and remembrance.
Agenda
🕑: 12:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Event Information
Info: 12:30 PM: Doors open;
1:00 PM: Elder blessing, drummer, and poetry recital;
1:20 PM: Lectures begin, followed by a joint Q&A;
This will be followed by a reception with appetizers and a cash bar;
More information: https://www.calgarysalutes.ca/events/remembrance-day-indigenous-veterans-2026
Event venue & nearby stays
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Canada
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