Sharing Stories at the Saamis Tepee runs once monthly from May to September. NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
A new opportunity will soon be available for city residents and visitors to connect with and learn about Indigenous people who have long called southeast Alberta their home.
Launching in May, Sharing Stories at the Saamis Tepee is a 1.5-hour experience which invites members of the public to sit beneath the city’s iconic Saamis Tepee and learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Indigenous plains people, particularly the Blackfoot people of Treaty No. 7 land and the Cree people of Treaty No. 4 land.
“When people come to the teepee, they stop and they take a picture with the teepee, but they don’t understand the significance of the land it sits on or how long Indigenous people have been using the archeological site there,” Brenda Mercer, Sharing Stories at the Saamis Tepee founder, told the News. “So, my hope (in establishing this experience) was just to share that, and at the same time tell a little bit of my own personal journey as an Indigenous woman.”
Mercer will lead the experience, which runs once monthly from May until September, though other Medicine Hat and area community members of Indigenous ancestry will often join her as guests.
Up to 20 individuals may take part in each session of Sharing Stories at the Saamis Tepee, which will take place May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 7.
During the session, Mercer will welcome participants to join her in a sharing circle, a smudge, an Indigenous craft-making activity and judgment-free discussion about any and all topics relating to the Indigenous people of Canada, her own healing journey or reconciliation.
“I want to create a place where (people can) ask a question, that, to them, maybe feels very vulnerable,” said Mercer. “And I want to encourage people that there’s no wrong questions to ask.”
Offered in partnership with Tourism Medicine Hat, the experience is open to all ages. Both visitors and residents of the city are invited to take part.
Tickets are required and can be purchased online at tixx.ca, beginning May 1.
