Travelling the world representing Treaty 7 and the Calgary Stampede has been a life-changing experience for Astokomii Smith. The former 2019 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess is now the Town of Strathmore’s Indigenous Liaison and a role model to other youngsters in the community.
We spoke to Smith about how being the First Nations Princess has changed her life for the better.
“Being the Calgary Stampede First Nation Princess provided me with so many life-changing opportunities, some of which I probably would have never been able to do if it wasn't for being in that role,” Smith said.
“The idea of representing Treaty 7 and Calgary Stampede at a local and national level was definitely a highlight for me,” she said. “I was equipped with many life skills that would benefit me throughout my life such as public speaking, interpersonal skills, etiquette, horsemanship and so much more, not to mention all the many lifelong friends that were made along the way.”
It's been a few years now since she was crowned but Smith says she still keeps in touch with many of the people that she has met along the way, “I've been really thankful and grateful for it all."
Being the First Nations Princes has given her an opportunity to travel internationally as well. “The Princess usually goes to about 400 events a year, some of these are at an international level. I was very fortunate during my reign to have the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas, Australia and Paris. I shared my culture, western hospitality, and what visitors could expect to see at Elbow River Camp, as well as danced in front of the Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower,” she said. “These are moments I’ll always cherish and it’s definitely opened my eyes in that there is so much in the world to see.”
When asked about how the experience has impacted her work with public speaking Smith explained, “When I ran for the First Nations Princess I had many goals I wanted to achieve in that role, but for me the most important one was to show young girls that even if they deal with mental struggles such as anxiety, or are seen as the shy, quiet ones that they could still do great things – like be a Stampede Princess."
“Before I was crowned, anybody could tell you how quiet I was and that the idea of public speaking was something I’d never really want to do. I struggled a lot with anxiety so I was very surprised when they called my name for the title. Calgary Stampede helped me with public speaking and media training, I was out of my comfort zone countless times when I’d be asked to speak at an event but I’m grateful for each of those times as it’s helped me in the long run,” said Smith.
Today Smith has a very public role in the Strathmore and Blackfoot community as the Town of Strathmore’s First Nations Liaison. When asked about her career in public service she responded, “In my role with working for the Town I’ve also been given many life-changing opportunities and great connections, in fact, I believe working for the Town helped when I ran for the Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess as I was already learning interpersonal skills, teaching about my culture and engaging with the community. For me it’s a very rewarding position, knowing that I am helping my community.”
Wed, May 1, 11:30 AM
