Ellery Starlight was born and raised in a community steeped in tradition. Ellery is deeply committed to justice and community — a role that extends far beyond the Calgary Stampede. He was a driving force in establishing the Peacemaker Court in Tsuut’ina Nation in 2000. His tireless efforts brought about significant changes within the community and served as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice. As a member of the Tsuut’ina Nation Council, Ellery tirelessly advocates for Indigenous rights and holistic well-being, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and community members.
D.O.B.: April 29/30, 1969
Hometown: Born in/on the Tsuut’ina Nation; currently resides in Calgary, Alberta
Titles and Awards: Ellery was a Buffalo Riding champion in 1987
Stampede attendance: Elbow River Camp (Tipi Holder); 1972 – Parents, Bruce and Deanna Starlight, became Tipi Holders; 1987 – Buffalo Riding Champion; 2012 – Became a Tipi Holder
Notable facts: Ellery has a great love for dance, especially Prairie Chicken dancing. His participation in the Buffalo Spirit Dancers, a group representing the Tsuut’ina Nation, allowed him to showcase Indigenous culture at prestigious events such as the 1988 Winter Olympics.
In Ellery’s words:
I remember when I was small and being on parade and getting told to get out there and dance wearing the most uncomfortable western shirts in the world… They were itchy and I didn't like them. But my dad always made us wear cowboy boots. That was myfirst memory of the Stampede.
My confidence level started rising because I was immersed in a group or a family that used so much culture. You go to any, any of the tipis and each one of them have so much to share, so much knowledge, it's just unbelievable. Because as we were growing up in Stampede, there was actual ceremony happening. And the authenticity of what I've witnessed over the years, you can't find it anywhere in Hollywood. Hollywood's getting better, but you have a lot of people that try to emulate what we grew up with. And you can tell it's not right. They make up stuff. But in the village, it's the real stuff.
It's an organism. It's a family. When the visitors come, they're coming into a family, a family setting. And that's why it's very important that we keep that going. You know, we make sure our children, nieces, nephews, you know, all the young people, they understand about hospitality and about kinship.
