News & Events
Grand Chief honoured with gift of young horse
June 22, 2010
Morris Swan Shannacappo says it was truly wonderful to be presented with a young horse by the people of Pine Creek following his re-election as Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs' Organization on June 17.
"It was overwhelming - a great honour," said Grand Chief Swan Shannacappo. "I have seen events in the past where the Elders gave long speeches about leadership and horses."
The young horse was chosen as a gift partly because it was born emblazoned with a white marking on its head, which resembled a headdress - a white headdress - like the one worn by the Grand Chief.
Traditionally, a horse as a gift is considered a tremendous honour. The Grand Chief said he had never personally seen a horse given to a political leader as a gift. He usually saw it brought as a gift at Sundances.
Councillor Nancy McKay said that a horse is a traditional gift. "When somebody gives you something like that, it is a great honour to receive it. This is a great honour because it is one of the Creator's creatures."
A man will talk to his horse when the going gets tough and the horse will help him carry his load. This doesn't just apply to physical weight, but also the emotional burden somebody is carrying. The horse could help the Grand Chief in the future with the load he carries as a leader, Councillor McKay explained later.
A horse is brought to a Sundance on the last day when people who are sick come and need healing. There are also so many feelings that have come out among the dancers. There horse is brought to carry away bad feelings and hurt.
The horse was born on May 8 was provided by the Georgina McKay family.
Councillor McKay said the young stallion horse was selected as a gift before the vote was held. The horse would have been given to the winner, regardless of whether the election was won by Swan Shannacappo or the other candidate, former Sioux Valley Chief Ken Whitecloud.
She said Pine Creek volunteered to be the site for the election because it would help familiarize and educate people about the role and workings of First Nations' political organizations. She also said that Grand Chief Swan Shannacappo is a very good visitor when he comes to Pine Creek because he is friendly and speaks to lots of the people.
"It made us proud," she said of Pine Creek having the opportunity to host the election. "I wish the community well," Swan Shannacappo said.