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.

Early Life and Learning

Miiksikaʼam was born in 1948 within the Siksika Nation. When he was young, he was given the name Clarence Wolfleg. He went to high school in Calgary, a city in Alberta.

Serving His Country and Community

Military Service

After finishing high school, Miiksikaʼam joined the Canadian Army. He was part of a special army unit called the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. During his time in the military, he helped with important missions. He served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, which works to keep peace in different parts of the world. He also served with NATO Forces in Europe, which is a group of countries that work together for safety.

Community Leadership

After his time in the army, Miiksikaʼam continued to serve his community. He became a police officer with the Blackfoot Tribal Police. He worked hard and eventually became the leader of this police force. He also took on other important roles, including serving for ten terms on the Siksika Nation Council. This council is like the government for the Siksika Nation, making decisions for their community.

Special Recognitions and Roles

Community Honors

Miiksikaʼam has received many special honors from his community for his dedication and service. He was given a traditional headdress, which is a very important symbol of respect. He also received the name Miiksikaʼam. He was welcomed into the Crazy Dog Society and received a sacred bundle and warrior pipe from the Horn Society. These are all significant cultural recognitions within his Siksika community.

Advisor and Educator

Today, Miiksikaʼam is a respected elder and spiritual advisor. He shares his wisdom and guidance with many groups and organizations. These include Mount Royal University, Bow Valley College, Health Canada, and Veterans Affairs Canada. He also advises the Treaty 7 Tribal Council, which represents several Indigenous nations. 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 recognized his contributions by giving him an honorary doctorate, which is a special academic award.