Powwow partnership brings together neighbouring communities to honour slain Nation member

Green banners hung on the walls of a recreation centre in Strathmore, Alta. with the last name Ayoungman and the number 14.

A life-size cutout of the former Strathmore Wheatland Kings hockey player was set up next to the main stage. 

It was a weekend filled with emotion for Melodie Ayoungman-Hunt as a powwow was held to honour her late son, Kristian Ayoungman.

"My husband said 'why don't we host a powwow in the town of Strathmore?'" Ayoungman-Hunt recalled.

Her grandparents told her when you lose a loved one, you do things in fours. 

Every year since 2019, the year Ayoungman died, his family has held a memorial. This year's was the last — and it was going to be big.

Ayoungman was a champion powwow dancer. 

His mother said when she and her husband pitched the idea of partnering with the town of Strathmore to host a powwow and give it a theme of Lead By Example, in the spirit of reconciliation, the town council approved it unanimously. 

Working towards an understanding

Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule admits the two communities have a complex relationship, and he doesn't ignore the issue of racism.

"Like in any other town in Alberta or Canada, there are little pockets of problems that residents may not be on board with what we're doing, but the vast majority of Strathmore residents are good and kind," he said.

Fule said he wants Siksika Nation members to feel safe and welcomed. 

In 2020, Siksika Nation, the Town of Strathmore and the RCMP signed a letter of understanding. 

The purpose of the letter was to foster healthy conversation, cultural awareness, and address concerns of racism.

Ayoungman was 24 when he was shot and killed on a rural road near Strathmore on March 17, 2019 after two groups of friends argued in the parking lot of a pub in that town over missing cigarettes from a pack that Kody Giffen bought from the late Ayoungman.

A second altercation later ensued after the two groups encountered each other at a different location where Ayoungman and his friends fled from after being confronted with a gun.

Giffen, who was riding in a truck with his brother, left the vehicle after pulling over on Highway 817, fired at the truck that Ayoungman was in and killed him.

Giffen was sentenced to four years in prison. His brother, Brandon Giffen was found guilty of manslaughter and acquitted of murder. He was handed a 12-year sentence.

Honouring her son

As a teacher, Ayoungman-Hunt said a powwow was a good educational tool. 

"Powwows are social gatherings for all to come and celebrate life. That is what I wanted to show the world, this is how you make change in a positive light," Ayoungman-Hunt said. 

For Melodie Ayoungman-Hunt, there were a lot of feelings attached to this inaugural event — she was overwhelmed with gratitude and love. 

But this powwow, she said, was bigger than her. 

"I did this for the people. Kristian made an impact on everyone," Ayoungman-Hunt said.

As an educator, Ayoungman-Hunt is keen to make the Lead By Example Powwow an annual event in Strathmore. 

At the heart of it: her son's legacy.  

"This is a way I'll speak up for you," Ayoungman-Hunt said. [Because] I'm his mom."