Ammolite blessing ceremony

Some members of Canada’s IGC 2028 Bid Team were invited to an ammolite blessing ceremony. This was performed by Chief Troy Knowlton of the Piikani Nation in Korite’s ammolite mine.

Ammolite is the gemstone variant of the fossil ammonite. Ammonites were underwater creatures that swan in the seas of the Cretaceous Period. Ammolite’s iridescent, or rainbow, colours are unique to southern Alberta and in Alberta, Plains First Nations and Blackfoot communities have used the shells for sacred ceremonies and traditions. Ammolite is an important part of Alberta's heritage and economy. In 2022, it was designated as Alberta's gemstone.

We’d like to thank Chief Troy Knowlton and John Issa and Evan Kovacs from Korite for welcoming us today.

Image credit (all): Korite