Jun. 10, 2025
As part of this year’s graduation celebrations, Elder Miiksika’am (Clarence Wolfleg) officially received his high school diploma nearly 60 years after leaving Crescent Heights High School to join the military.
A respected Siksika Nation Elder and Canadian Forces veteran, Miiksika’am was awarded an honorary diploma during Crescent Heights’ 2025 graduation ceremony, which was also celebrated at the Indigenous Student Graduation Celebration at the end of May. After being forced to attend residential school, when he was allowed to leave, Miiksika’am found a sense of safety and belonging during his time at Crescent Heights. He had left the school in 1966, just before completing Grade 12, to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve in the Canadian Forces. He later served in peacekeeping missions in Cyprus and NATO operations in Europe.
His post-military life has been marked by deep service to his community — including roles as a police officer, spiritual leader and long-time councillor for the Siksika Nation.
In recent years, Miiksika’am has received numerous honours, including an honorary doctorate from Mount Royal University and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
