BVRHS Receives Significant Artwork Honouring Chief Nelson Small Legs

The Bow Valley Ranche Historical Society is honoured to receive A Cry for Justice – Sound of the Drum, a powerful and thought-provoking work by Alberta artist J.E. McClelland. Generously donated to the Society, the painting is now on display at The Ranche Restaurant, where visitors can experience both its artistic beauty and its profound historical significance.

More than a painting, A Cry for Justice is a reflection on leadership, resilience, friendship, and the ongoing pursuit of understanding between cultures. Through the figures gathered around the drum, McClelland captures not only individuals, but the enduring strength of Indigenous communities and the importance of listening to the stories they carry.

"A reflection on the struggles faced by Indigenous communities and a call to recognize issues that many believed were not receiving the attention they deserved."

— J.E. McClelland, on A Cry for Justice

A Lasting Friendship

At the heart of the work is Chief Nelson Small Legs of the Piikani Nation, a respected leader, advocate, and friend of the artist. McClelland first met Chief Nelson during the 1967 re-enactment of Treaty 7 at the Calgary Stampede. What began as a chance meeting grew into a lasting friendship between their families that spanned many years.

Through countless conversations, Chief Nelson shared his experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future of his people. McClelland recalls hearing firsthand about the challenges facing Indigenous communities, the impacts of historical government policies, and the need for greater understanding and action. Despite these challenges, Chief Nelson remained committed to leadership, fairness, and constructive change.

A Work of Memory and Meaning

The painting also honours the memory of Nelson Small Legs Jr., whose desire to bring attention to injustice inspired part of the work's message. McClelland describes the piece as a reflection on the struggles faced by Indigenous communities and a call to recognize issues that many believed were not receiving the attention they deserved.

For McClelland, the artwork is deeply personal. Her years of friendship with Chief Nelson and his family shaped not only her understanding of Indigenous history but also her appreciation for the resilience, faith, and determination that carried many communities through difficult times. She describes Chief Nelson as a man who sought fairness, believed in peace, and worked tirelessly on behalf of his people.

Today, A Cry for Justice – Sound of the Drum serves as an invitation to reflect. It encourages viewers to consider the stories behind Alberta's history, the importance of listening to different perspectives, and the role that understanding plays in building stronger communities.

An Invitation to Visit

The Bow Valley Ranche Historical Society is grateful to J.E. McClelland for entrusting this important work to our collection. By sharing it with visitors at The Ranche Restaurant, we hope to honour the people represented within the painting and continue the conversations it inspires.

We invite guests to visit The Ranche Restaurant to view the artwork and learn more about the stories, relationships, and history that inspired its creation.

The Bow Valley Ranche Historical Society is dedicated to preserving our shared history while fostering learning, connection, and reconciliation. To stay up to date on the Society's latest projects, historical stories, and the continued development of the Listen Garden, follow Larry Wasyliw on LinkedIn

About the Artist

J.E. McClelland is an Alberta artist whose work often reflects the people, landscapes, and stories that have shaped Western Canadian history. Through her paintings, she has sought to preserve important cultural narratives and celebrate the individuals whose lives have contributed to Alberta's rich and diverse heritage.