Elders Teaching Series
Watch recorded webinars
Cultural Teachings
Explore, discover, learn
Elders' Wisdom Series
Hear oral stories from Elders as they share valuable cultural wisdom.
Elder's Teaching Series
These events support ii’ taa’poh’to’p’s vision of transforming ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being at UCalgary, and is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Brent Dodginghorse talks about Honouring Horsemanship, Past and Present
Brent Dodginghorse is a prominent member of the Tsuut'ina Nation, deeply rooted in a family tradition of ranching and rodeo. This event was presented on December 11, 2024.
Elder Anne Kokak talks about Life in the North
Our second event in the Elder's Teaching Series welcomed special guest and Elder Anne Kokak from the Kitikmeot Region in Nunavut, Kugluktuk (formally known as Coppermine), speaking about Life in the north. This event was presented on November 6, 2024.
Elder Martin Heavy Head talks about the tipi, a sacred symbol in Blackfoot culture, represents unity, strength, and connection to the community.
Martin Heavy Head is Ponokaiksiksinam, he was born on the Blood Reserve in 1952 to Joe and Agnes Heavy Head. He attended school at St. Mary’s Blood Indian Residential School and graduated from Catholic Central in Lethbridge, Alberta. He then went on to graduate from the University of Lethbridge, with a BASc in 1983, with a major in Physical Education. Martin and his wife got involved with their ceremonial societies in 1990 and continue to be involved as grandparents for new members. This event was presented on October 23, 2024.
Napi (Blackfoot Trickster) stories with Anita Crowshoe
Ceremonial Elder Anita Crowshoe shares stories about Napi (Blackfoot Trickster) for the third and final webinar of the 2023 Elders Teaching Series. This event took place on December 7, 2023.
Elder John Crier on Ceremony Practice Identified as Spiritual Way of Life
UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement welcomes you to attend the 2023 Elders Teaching Series. The Elders Teaching Series is a public learning program that provides a platform for Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to share traditional knowledge and knowledge systems. Supporting our path towards transformative reconciliation, the series encourages building good relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Elder Rod Scout on Kiipaitapiiyssinnooni (our way of life)
Rod shared the Blackfoot worldview and explained the connections and importance of language, environment of living in harmony. He also spoke about cultural protocol and who is considered an “Elder”.
Elder Reg Crowshoe on Trauma/Ghosts
The Office of Indigenous Engagement hosted the Elder's Teaching Series for the 2022-23 academic year. This webinar was the third event in the series and took place on December 7, 2022 with Elder Reg Crowshoe with a presentation on Trauma/Ghosts.
Metis Culture with Doreen Bergum
The Office of Indigenous Engagement hosted the annual Elder's Teaching Series from October - December for the 2022-23 academic year. This webinar was the second event in the series, taking place November 16, 2022 with Métis Elder Doreen Bergum who presented on Métis Culture.
Indigenous Ways of Healing
Listen and learn about traditional Indigenous Ways of Healing from Elders within the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta. Explore teachings of restoration and resiliency from Piikani Elders Reg and Rose Crowshoe as well as Stoney Nakoda Elder Virgil Stephens, moderated by Adam Murry. Event date: February 11, 2021.
Indigenous Women’s Voices
Indigenous Women’s Voices features stories of traditional Indigenous women’s roles and how women can walk forward with power and pride. Moderated by Dr. Jennifer Leason, PhD, the event features panellists Una Wesley, a Stoney Nakoda Elder; Tsuut’ina Elder Diane Meguinis; and Saulteaux Spiritual Healer and Cree Elder Vinnia Van Overdyk. Event date: January 21, 2021.
