Hundreds of community members gathered in Stoney Nakoda Nation to greet the Olympic torch Jan. 20.

Carrying the flame was Cherith Mark, a resident who is currently working on her second degree at Simon Fraser University.

Mark said she was selected for the coveted job after applying online.

“They decided to select one person to represent all three bands,” said Mark, a former Morley Community School office worker.

Mark was greeted outside the tribal offices by students from the school, Chiefs David Bearspaw, Bruce Labelle and Clifford Poucette, several elders, Wild Rose MP Blake Richards, and members of the Morley School drum group.

Dancers in traditional garb led a grand entry procession, emceed by Peter Snow.

More torch photos from the Stoney Nakoda Nation: Photo Gallery

Cherith Mark carries the Olympic flame in her home town of Morley Jan. 20. Photo by Patrick Price

“It was very humbling,” said Mark, who bought her torch for $300 as a souvenir. “It was such a great opportunity and I got such great feedback.”

Mark added it was gratifying the committee had picked a woman to represent her community.

“Lots of young girls came up to me and said I inspired them,” she said.

For one community member the event was also a nostalgic occasion.

Sykes Powderface was the co-ordinator of the native liaison program for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

He also worked closely with Salt Lake City Winter Olympic officials prior to the 2002 Games, and provided input for the upcoming Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.

“When Cherith came in with the torch it brought very emotional memories to me,” said Powderface.

“It reminded me of the five Treaty 7 drummers who welcomed the torch when it came into McMahon Stadium in 1988. I was so moved.”

He added the importance of the torch relay cannot be overstated.

“It’s really important, it has global significance,” he explained.

But over the years the role of the torchbearer has changed slightly. Powderface said that in 1988 as the torch passed through 48 reservations, communities were allowed to have it for 15 minutes, enough time to participate in a blessing ceremony.

“It also meant that children, particularly underprivileged children, could touch it,” he said, adding the torch is in each community for seven minutes, which Powderface said is not enough time.

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