Katari Right Hand named parade marshal for virtual 2021 Stampede Parade
The 2021 Calgary Stampede Parade will follow a different route and not be open to spectators thanks to the ongoing pandemic, but will still feature some familiar traditions.
The parade to kick off the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth usually attracts hundreds of thousands of Stampede-goers along its downtown route, and organizers are hoping that will happen again, albeit virtually.
The parade will still feature the popular floats, marching bands and mounted riders, but rather than travelling through downtown on July 9, this year's parade will be held at Stampede Park before the grounds open to the public.
Katari Right Hand from the Siksika First Nation, who is featured on this year's Stampede poster, has been chosen as the 2021 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal.
Right Hand’s Blackfoot name is Nààpiwa otó piim Akikowan, which means Rainbow Girl and as a fancy dancer, her regalia features signature rainbow ribbons.
"I am very proud and excited to be the 2021 Stampede Parade Marshal, so I can represent Niitsitapiiks. I'd like to thank Lexi Hilderman for selecting my picture as her entry for the Calgary Stampede 2021 poster contest," said Right Hand.
"I would also like to thank the Calgary Stampede for choosing me to be the 2021 parade marshal. But, most of all, I want to thank my parents, Marcell and Delores Right Hand, for raising me to be the best that I can be. Thank you to Creator and everyone for your continued guidance and support."
Steve McDonough, president and chairman of the Stampede board called it an honour to have Right Hand lead this year's parade.
"I was inspired by the image Lexi submitted and wanted to learn more about the remarkable young woman featured," he said.
"Katari Right Hand’s name Rainbow Girl is a reminder that we are coming out of a storm together and that as the clouds move behind us, the sun will shine again.”
The 2021 Stampede Parade will also welcome a special group of honorary parade marshals who have been instrumental in our community through the past year and a half.
“We want to recognize the essential workers who have given so much to our community throughout the pandemic. From those who went to work each day at local grocery stores to ensure we had access to essential supplies, to the medical staff who have worked so tirelessly,” says McDonough.
Hilderman will also be joining in the festivities, travelling the route in the Calgary Stampede Foundation carriage. The 2020 parade marshal, Filipe Masetti Leite, who achieved a dream of crossing the Americas on horseback, arriving in Calgary last July, will be back for a more boisterous celebration.
His arrival in Calgary following his incredible journey was celebrated despite the cancellation of the 2020 Stampede Parade.
The Calgary Stampede has arranged a partnership with Global Calgary to broadcast the virtual edition of this year's parade.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.