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.
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Martin Heavy Head : The tipi, a sacred symbol in Blackfoot culture, represents unity, strength, and connection to the community.
October 23, 2024
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. He also served as Chief Electoral Officer for the Blood Reserve in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was elected to Blood Tribe Council in 1996 and served until 2000. He served as a consultant with Writing On Stone Provincial Park as part of his membership in the Mookaakin Foundation, working on the UNESCO World Heritage Site status for twenty years and finally achieved the inscription in 2019. He is running for BT Council again in 2024 and, if successful, will continue to serve the Blood People. He continues to serve in his capacity as grandfather to the societies and works with the various groups as a consultant for various traditional projects and boards.
Anne Kokak: Life in the North.
November 6, 2024
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.
For thousands of years, the Inuit have lived in close relationship to the land and the natural environment of the North. They have developed sustainable strategies and cultural practices that honour the ecosystems in which they have had to learned to thrive in a good way. Their deep connection to the land and its resources is reflected in their traditional lifestyle, which have been passed down through generations.
John Crier: Ceremony Practice Identified as Spiritual Way of Life.
November 8, 2023
John Crier is a Cree Elder from Samson Cree Nation of Maskwacis, Alberta in Treaty 6 Territory. He is a fluent Cree language speaker, traditional knowledge holder, traditional knowledge keeper and ceremonialist. John spends much of his time working with individuals and groups to provide access and guidance to Indigenous knowledge, language, traditions, ceremony and land. John is passionate about studying, speaking and sharing the Cree language.
John has offered cultural guidance and expertise to institutes including the University of Alberta, Maskwacis Cultural College and the University of Calgary. He currently sits as an Elder on the Indigenous Advisory Circle in the Office of the Provost at UCalgary, supporting the ii’taa’poh’to’p strategy.
He is the founding member of Ohma Kakisimo Aski, Indigenous Shadow Healing, which guides Maskwacis members and beyond in personal spiritual healing, cultural reclamation and intercultural relationship building. John was the Elder in Residence for 12 years at the minimum-security correctional facility Pê Sakâstêw Centre in Maskwacis, mentoring men and women with traditional Indigenous knowledge.
Anita Crowshoe: stories about Napi (Blackfoot Trickster)
December 7, 2023
Anita Crowshoe (Sisti) is a registered band member of the Piikani Nation. Her parents are Reg and Rose Crowshoe, and her grandparents are the late Joseph and Josephine Crowshoe, and Julius and Elizabeth English.
Sisti also holds numerous Indigenous transfers and in 2004, she was transferred “Napi and Buffalo” tipi at a Okan in Piikani territory. Prior to this transfer, Anita was recognized as the child of her father and mother's tipi transfer. She holds this honour in high esteem and takes great care to protect the process and protocols of this responsibility. As a transferred Tipi holder, Anita is proud to be active in ceremonies and community gatherings.
Anita holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Montana Western. Her employment history ranges from dancing at the Fort in Fort MacLeod and being a greeter at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, to serving as a community constable for the RCMP. Anita has also been an Elementary school teacher and BNAS teacher specialist on the Blackfeet Nation. Presently, she is the Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor for Heritage Park.
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