From a Dream to an Empire: The Story of The Imperial Court of the Chinook Arch
Back in April of 1976, six bold and brilliant minds in Calgary, Alberta had a big idea — to start something fabulous. What began as a few passionate conversations quickly turned into a mission. They formed a committee, held meetings, and laid the foundation for something truly majestic: the birth of a new Empire.
After careful planning (and probably a lot of coffee and glitter), an official application was sent to Vancouver — home of the Mother Court of Canada. The response? A resounding YES. Calgary had its charter.
Now, what to call this sparkling new Court? Edmonton had already claimed the “Wild Rose,” our provincial flower. So, Calgary turned to something just as iconic — a natural marvel that locals know all too well: the Chinook Arch. Named after the warm winter winds that sweep in and turn -30°C into a surprising +10°C, it was the perfect metaphor for what this Court would become — a breath of fresh air in the middle of the cold.
🌬️ Fun Fact: “Chinook” is a Cree word meaning “warm winds” — and that’s exactly what this Court brought to the community: warmth, resilience, and change.
By June 1976, the Imperial Court of the Chinook Arch was official. Fast forward to January 1977, and Calgary celebrated its very first Coronation at the downtown Holiday Inn, completely sold out. Jack and Veronica Dawn were crowned Calgary’s first Emperor and Empress, with none other than HMIM Ted Northe, the Empress of Canada, presiding over the historic night.
That night also marked the rise of Brian Sargent as Alberta’s official representative to the Empress of Canada, and the creation of the grand title CzarI Ultima of Alberta. Royal titles? Check. Legendary status? Absolutely.
45 Years of Fierce Love, Leadership, and Legacy
Fast forward to today, and we’re celebrating 50 incredible years of uplifting the Calgary community. We are proud to be the oldest continually operating LGBTQ+ organization in Calgary, with a reign that stretches across the 403 and 587 area codes, from Red Deer all the way to the U.S. border.
Our Empire is led by a dedicated and elected Board of Directors, including the Emperor and Empress of the year, as well as the Head of Trustees — guardians of our Court’s legacy and values.
We’re a proud not-for-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for local charities — LGBTQ+ and allies alike — through spectacular events like our Annual Charity Ball (formerly the Coronation Ball, rebranded during the 16th reign of Emperor Little John and Empress Syreeta Santana).
Think drag, glitter, elegance, love, and a whole lot of heart — all in the name of giving back.
The Legacy Lives On… And You’re Invited!
As we continue into our 50th year, we’re more excited than ever to keep building community, celebrating diversity, and welcoming new faces (and fabulous old friends). Whether you’re here to volunteer, donate, perform, or just cheer us on — you’re part of this story too.
Here’s to the next chapter — full of sparkle, service, and that signature warm breeze of love we call the Chinook Arch.