Charles Weaselhead honoured with Order of the Red Cross

Charles Weaselhead honoured with Order of the Red Cross

Blaire Russell, Communications Officer

Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement

Standoff, AB – Taatsiikiipoyii – Charles Weaselhead, former Blood Tribe Chief and Treaty 7 Grand Chief was honoured with the Order of Red Cross at an award ceremony on October 20, 2023. The Order of the Red Cross is considered the highest honour the Canadian Red Cross Society can bestow on a member.

The Order of the Red Cross is a prestigious achievement for individuals who have dedicated service to the Canadian Red Cross. The Order of the Red Cross recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad.

“We are honoured to recognize Charles Weaselhead, he has been a great supporter and partner of the Canadian Red Cross for many years,” Thu Parmar, Canadian Red Cross Society Vice President – Alberta and Northwest Territories, stated. “We admire his commitment to his community and the extraordinary contributions he has made to the Red Cross.”

Charles Weaselhead has worked tirelessly since the 1980s to advance health initiatives that have improved health outcomes for Indigenous people, which includes serving as Director of Napi Lodge and Poundmaker’s Lodge treatment centres; Director of the Blood Indian Hospital in the 1990s; and serving as Chief Executive Officer for the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. from 2004-2016.

“An outstanding and visionary leader, former Treaty 7 Grand Chief and former Chief of the Blood Tribe/Kainai Nation – Weaselhead has been working alongside the Canadian Red Cross to enhance the living and wellness conditions of the people of the Kainai Nation and many First Nations across Southern Alberta,” Jenn McManus, nominator of the prestigious award and former Vice President of the Canadian Red Cross Society – Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Charles’ priorities for Indigenous communities include: the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP); advancing the sovereignty of Indigenous people by protecting our inherent and treaty rights; and initiatives to address education, health, economic, environmental, and social issues. In 2008, Charles was a signatory to the Alberta Protocol Agreement on Government-to-Government Relations and the Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Education in 2010.

“In recognition to your deep and abiding devotion to the fundamental principles to the Society, as exemplified by the extraordinary contributions to our humanitarian work and appreciation to your ongoing commitment to your community, the Red Cross Society welcomes you to the Order of the Red Cross,” Amit Mehra, Chair of The Board of Directors, Canadian Red Cross Society.