A week-long educational event called Kiskihkeyimowin kicked off Monday morning with an opening ceremony at Medicine Hat College that included speaker Elder Charlie Fox and several performance.--NEWS PHOTOS BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
This week students at public schools in the Hat will be participating in an immersive learning experience exploring the traditions of the Blackfoot, Cree and Métis cultures during the return of Kiskihkeyimowin, meaning “sharing good teachings” in Plains Cree.
The educational events began Monday morning with an opening ceremony that included a grand entry, guest speakers as well as drumming and dancers performing jingle, Métis jig, fancy and grass dances.
Throughout the week students from Grades 4-10 will gather at Medicine Hat College to participate in a variety of unique teaching opportunities with Indigenous leaders, Elders, knowledge keepers and other esteemed members of the community.
“For us as Elders, that’s our role to share our knowledge with our young people,” said Elder Charlie Fox. “So all the presenters, whether they know it or not, they are like our Elders. To claim that role, to teach our young people, that’s the best thing going right now.”
During his speech Elder Fox provided insights to the significance of tobacco ties and explained the resilience and spiritual practices of using a tobacco pipe in ceremonies, and its role in signifying peace between tribes.
Fox recounted a story of peace between the Sioux and his tribe during the winter months along the Missouri River, and emphasized the importance of tobacco as a trade item and ceremonial offering.
“We take the pipe, smoke that and this, it’s a way of ensuring peace among all peoples. It’s understood between all the tribes in North America. So the tobacco, when you gave it to people, it was a trade item as well, and it’s meant more for ceremonial purposes.”
Elder Fox also spoke about overcoming personal sacrifices and the impacts of the residential school system.
“I am very, very lucky to have had that experience,” Fox said to the audience. “Having been through the residential schools. It was not easy to get over that, to forgive myself and to be able to live in this world.
“I could have been a statistic a long time ago but throughout our spiritual ways, I’m still here. I’m very thankful for that.”
Throughout the week students will participate in learning activities around the campus and in authentic Cree Tipis set up outside the college.
Students will engage in the Circle of Courage and smudging, as well as take part in immersive storytelling, traditional faces and games.
The Medicine Hat Public School Division partnered with the college as well as the Miywasin Friendship Centre and community sponsors to create a meaningful and engaging learning experience for students until Friday.
