Dagucayami Inishnobge and the Enduring Legacy of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

The Lac Ste. Anne Steel Tipi Monument, named Dagucayami Inishnobge (“our past relatives”), is a project initiated by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.

The purpose behind the monument is to ensure that the Nation’s rich heritage, spirituality, and enduring connection to the land are retained for future generations. It reflects the community’s commitment to passing down their cultural legacy, fostering a sense of identity, pride, and connection among its people.

A grant provided by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) will cover project costs from architectural design and construction management to site preparation, materials, and installation. More than just a physical structure, Dagucayami Inishnobge will be a symbol of Indigenous resilience, paying homage to traditional values and the sacredness of the land.

The initiative is part of Alexis Nakota Nation’s journey toward healing, reconciliation, and cross-cultural understanding. Beyond its symbolic significance, the monument will be a focal point for the community, reaffirming identity and pride in Indigenous roots. Through exploration and storytelling, it will serve as an educational tool for both the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and the broader public about the history, struggles, and achievements of the Nation. 

The Alexis Nakata Sioux Nation has a rich history. Historically known by various names such as “Assiniboine,” derived from Cree and Ojibway languages, meaning “Stone People” or “Stone Sioux,” they are often referred to as “Stoney” in modern times. While engaging in traditional activities like berry picking, herb gathering, hunting, and tanning, Alexis residents also embrace a contemporary lifestyle on the reserve, celebrating their cultural distinctiveness through rich oral traditions.

Archdiocese of Edmonton