Fall 2022 Comfort Food

As a champion powwow dancer, he celebrates First Nations culture with others who gather to dance, sing and honour the traditions of their ancestors. Sheldon won his first first-place trophy at the Calgary Stampede in 1971. Fifty-one years later, at the 2022 Calgary Stampede, he again placed first with his son, Sheldon Junior. Sheldon has won countless awards over the decades attending powwows across this land and south of the border. While he still competes regularly, his latest’ gig’ was as arena director at this year’s massive powwow held to mark and honour the 2nd annual day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Saddledome. There’s no doubt that the decades spent competing at these traditional gatherings helped shape his joyful, friendly nature.

Between the powwows and enjoying all the shenanigans of any typical kid, Sheldon finished school at Plains Indian Cultural Survival School. He started a family at a young age. Often, times were tough and making ends meet was a challenge. Still, with the support of family and organizations like the Calgary Food Bank, which he needed to lean on during the early years, Sheldon has enjoyed a good life. He proudly talks about his six children and two stepchildren. He lights up when he speaks of their successes and their importance to him. Sadly, Sheldon lost one of his daughters a couple of years ago. She was only 26 years old; a series of unfortunate choices turned her down a dark path that led to her death. Sheldon generously shares her story and memories of her because he says it’s part of his healing. Brittany was ‘Daddy’s little girl’, and he says he misses her every single day. Speaking of their relationship brings a smile to his face; his calm, reserved nature makes you feel incredibly comfortable and content in his presence.  

As the warm autumn sun shines on the Calgary Food Bank parking lot, Sheldon casually waves clients through and points them to assigned spots, smiling, waving. When asked if he’d resign if he won the lottery, he doesn’t hesitate for even a moment, “No!”. It’s as though his work at the food bank is more of a calling than a job. Like his father, who shared his culture with visitors to the museum, Sheldon shares compassion, empathy and understanding with fellow Calgarians who need help.   

When asked how Sheldon manages conversations with clients who arrive feeling upset, embarrassed or even ashamed, he says he’s quick to reassure them that we are here to help. I also tell them, “You know it’s ok to ask for help; I had to come to the food bank a few times when money was tight,” This immediately disarms them and puts them at ease. Sheldon says, “People on the powwow trail, or even here, think that I’ve got it all, but I remind them that it has been a long journey to get to this place I’m at, and everything that happens is meant to be.”