Elder Rod Scout, Siksiká Nation
Elder Rod Scout was born on the Blood Reserve in 1959 and raised on the Siksiká Nation by his grandparents, who spoke only Blackfoot. Immersed from childhood in his people’s language, ceremonies, and teachings, he grew up grounded in a deep respect for the land and traditional ways of knowing. After losing his grandparents at seventeen, he continued to carry forward their teachings, becoming a respected Elder and cultural leader known for his guidance on language revitalization, land-based education, and community healing.
Elder Rod’s wisdom is rooted in lived experience and a lifelong commitment to cultural continuity. His teachings on land, memory, and truth remind us that healing begins by listening to the Earth, to our ancestors, and to one another.
The Calgary Justice Film Festival is deeply honoured to welcome Elder Rod Scout to Opening Night: Indigenous Lens, where his presence reminds us that justice is a living practice grounded in language, ceremony, and respect for all our relations.