CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen leads Calgary Stampede Parade

2023-07-14

On July 6-7, CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen spent some time in Calgary. His visit started by meeting Cisco, his trusty ride for the Calgary Stampede Parade. All the while, Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA, and Stéphanie Durand, Vice-President, Space Program Policy, met with space health research leads to visit state-of-the-art laboratories at the University of Calgary. The university is leveraging investments made by the CSA for applications in health and other fields that benefit people on Earth.

Later in the day, an Independence Day celebration took place at the residence of the U.S. Consul General Holly Waeger Monster in the company of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson where the longstanding space collaboration between Canada and the U.S. was highlighted. Jeremy, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister responsible for the CSA, and Lisa Campbell also addressed the guests.

The following day, Jeremy took on his role as Parade Marshal, put on his cowboy hat and boots, and led the Calgary Stampede Parade. He rode alongside the Honorary Parade Marshal General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Jeremy and the CSA–NASA delegation also visited the Elbow River Camp, a place that has served as a gathering place for First Nations people during the Stampede since 1912, and where they can participate in traditional dancing, share their cultures with others, and celebrate their heritage. Jeremy and guests experienced the cultures of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations of Treaty 7.

In the past decade, Jeremy has had the privilege of being invited to sit with and learn from Elders from many Nations. He has gained a great appreciation for Indigenous Knowledge and the importance of taking care of Mother Earth. These teachings are helping him prepare for his mission, so he was particularly honoured to learn from Treaty 7 Nations.

See below for more photos of Jeremy and the CSA–NASA delegation at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! You can also check out the CSA and Jeremy’s social media accounts.