Here is what Tsuu T’ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild said to Trump (as per National Chief Cindy Woodhouse via Facebook): “When it came to that one individual, I almost didn’t stay. I was filled with rage and I knew by then, that the world was watching. I was going to go home, because I didn’t want to do anything to bring negativity to my people. However, I consulted with some close people, and based on wise feedback I stayed. Visibility is key, diplomacy is important. There was no one else there. I prayed and tried my best to observe everything. I prayed to creator, my grandmothers, grandfathers, and my mom. I asked them to guide my words and actions in that moment. As I stood on the tarmac next to my good friend Jyoti, I watched Trump approach each delegate before me, and I thought of those suffering around the world, my son, my nation, my ancestors, and waited for him to approach. Instead of war, I chose peace. Instead of hate, I chose love. Instead of hostility, I tried my best to show humanity. He was just another person, like the ones I greeted before him (some would say a horrible person and we all know many reasons why). I felt strong with my feather hat, which I received a transfer for yesterday, my treaty suit, my beadwork, and good medicine. I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut’ina. Close as it gets. I spoke my Tsuut’ina language. I showed him my treaty medal and told him it’s older than Canada and that this is native land. I spoke for my elders, babies, and future generations, and spoke for peace and protecting water for future generations. I tried to say as much as I could, as wisely as I could, while representing with honour and dignity. Whether he listened or not, time will tell. I don’t care if it was anyone else, in fact, I wish I was someone else. But I’m glad that the world got to witness a treaty suit, treaty medal, beautiful beadwork, precious feather hat, and us. I take assurance in knowing a message of protecting water and peace was spoken to world leaders.”