Piikani actor announced as 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal

A Piikani actor who got his start as a stunt rider on the Oscar-winning movie “The Revenant” has been announced as the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal.

The Calgary Stampede said Friday Owen Crow Shoe, from the Piikani Nation and Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy, would headline the event that kicks off The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Crow Shoe says marshalling the parade continues his family’s legacy in the Stampede.

“I grew up at the Calgary Stampede,” he said. “I am proud to say my family has been part of this event since 1985 and I am honoured to continue that tradition leading the Parade and opening The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

We are honoured to announce that actor Owen Crow Shoe from the Piikani Nation and Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy will lead the 2024 Stampede Parade presented by @Suncor!

Learn more about Owen and the Calgary Stampede Parade: https://t.co/11WbKdg6oc pic.twitter.com/J63m66VxYd

— Calgary Stampede (@calgarystampede) June 14, 2024

“I’m fortunate to have made so many memories and life-long friendships at the Calgary Stampede and I look forward to making so many more along the Parade route this year.”

Since filming “The Revenant” in Kananaskis Country, Crow Shoe’s roles have taken him to many places across the country and the world.

His current project, “Dream” has taken Crow Shoe to California.

This summer, he will star alongside 2022 Stampede Parade Marshal Kevin Costner in “Horizon: An American Saga.”

But, he will return home to southern Alberta for July 5 to kick off the Stampede.

Crow Shoe says he’s only missed one Stampede since he started coming with his family more than three decades ago. His family has spent time in Elbow River Camp singing and drumming and participated in the Warrior Ride during the Stampede Rodeo Grand Entry; they have deep roots with the festival.

“Owen Crow Shoe is an ambassador for Alberta, Canada and the Calgary Stampede,” said Will Osler, President & Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors in a statement. “His commitment to celebrating and sharing his culture, both on and off the screen, is inspiring. He is a role model for many around the world and we couldn’t be more proud to have him lead the Parade as Marshal.”

Crow Shoe will also be the master of ceremonies for the 2024 Calgary Stampede Pow Wow. Stampede officials say his voice will fill the Saddledome on July 7 and 8 from 1 to 6 p.m. as he announces competitors and guides the audience through two days of competition.