Former Xakiji (Chief) Tsuut’ina First Nation
Chief Lee Crowchild is an environmentalist, writer, hunter, and ceremonialist. As Chief from 2016-2019, he held the strong elected position with responsibility for all aspects of his Nation’s well being, development and representation.
He is a sought-after invited speaker who has given presentations, speeches and panels for a variety of corporate and political meetings and events, including Environment Canada, Alberta Environment, Bow River Watershed Conservancy, Assembly of First Nations (AFN), to name a few. He is often asked for media commentary on current issues.
With advisory expertise ranging from environmental, technical infrastructure to arts and culture, as well as social issues, he also has held board positions, including APTN Board of Directors, and was Chairman of Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society Board.
Chief Lee Crowchild is a Traditional Knowledge Keeper of Tsuut’ina Nation.
Chief Lee Crowchild is the third generation of Crowchild Xakijis. His father was Xakiji Gordon Crowchild and his grandfather, Xakiji David Crowchild’s name is acknowledged on Calgary’s Crowchild Trail.
He founded Tsuut’ina Apiaries, and in the past, has worked in many capacities and positions within Tsuut’ina Nation, including Manager of Infrastructure, Director of Public Works, and Emergency Management. He also successfully led the international touring Dance company, “Red Thunder Native Dance Theatre” for thirteen years.
Directly after high school, he travelled the world for eighteen months, before getting a degree from Washington State University (B.SC. 1981). His education was expanded over the years with Diplomas from University of British Columbia (Dipl. EDST 1998), Vancouver Film School (New Media Certificate 2000), and SAIT School of Business (Applied Management Certificate 2007).
His achievements extend over many different disciplines from athletic to entrepreneurial. An avid football fan, he loves to fly fish. Chief Lee Crowchild is a man of the people and knows that “Serving the people – our people – requires diligence, sacrifice, and great earnestness”. He is the father of four daughters and two sons, and now has four grandchildren.