Miiksikaʼam facts for kids
Miiksikaʼam (born in 1948) is an important Siksika Indigenous elder, a former police officer, and a veteran from Alberta, Canada. He is also known by the names Broken Knife and Clarence Wolfleg.
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Growing Up and Learning
Miiksikaʼam was born in 1948 in the Siksika Nation. When he was young, he was given the name Clarence Wolfleg at the Old Sun Indian Residential School. Later, he went to high school in Calgary, a big city in Alberta.
Serving His Country and Community
Joining the Army
After finishing high school, Miiksikaʼam joined the Canadian Army. He served with a group called the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. This included helping with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, where he worked to keep peace between different groups. He also served with NATO Forces in Europe.
Working for His Community
After his time in the military, Miiksikaʼam continued to serve others. He became a corrections officer and then a police officer with the Blackfoot Tribal Police. He eventually became the head of this police force. He also helped direct community health services for the Siksika Nation. For ten terms, he was a member of the Siksika Nation Council, helping to make important decisions for his community.
Special Recognition and Leadership
Miiksikaʼam has received many special honors from his community for his dedication. He was given a headdress, the respected name Miiksikaʼam, and was welcomed into the Crazy Dog Society. He also received a sacred bundle and a warrior pipe from the Horn Society, showing his important role.
Today, Miiksikaʼam is a respected elder and spiritual advisor. He shares his wisdom with many groups and organizations, such as Mount Royal University, Bow Valley College, Health Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Treaty 7 Tribal Council. He played a big part in creating the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, a place that celebrates Blackfoot history and culture. In 2021, Mount Royal University gave him an honorary doctorate, which is a special award for his achievements.
