Portraits of First Nations Members in Calgary

CALGARY, CANADA: Randy Ermineskin, Treaty 6 Grand Chief, and his wife, Fran. At the July Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations Annual General Meeting, Chief Randy Ermineskin was appointed by the Maskwacis Nations Chiefs, to assume the role of Grand Chief. Chief Ermineskin began his political career as a councillor under the leadership of his late brother Chief Gerry Ermineskin in 2001. Today, both as Chief of Ermineskin and Grand Chief he knows there are many challenges for the first nations but building unity and a common vision is key to working and moving ahead. Chief Ermineskin has always been an advocate for Education being an Educator as a Principal and as a Teacher. He holds a teaching degree and a Master of Arts in Leadership in Administration which allows him to encourage and mentor the next generation of First Nation leaders. He believes it's important to acknowledge those who have paved the way for First Nations to finally be invited to discussions that have a direct effect on our future. He and his wife, Fran have 3 daughters and 1 son along with 9 grandchildren. Chief Ermineskin has always promoted and has been involved with youth and sport also through coaching in various sports at the North American Indigenous Games. He feels that it is very important to encourage First Nations to pursue healthy lifestyles. He is a board member of the World Indigenous Nations-Sports (WIN-Sport) and a past board member of Aboriginal Physical Activity Cultural Circle (APACC). (Photo by Giles Clarke/Getty Images)