CULTURE AND LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION

Re-awakening Ancestral Ways of Knowing at Star Blanket Cree Nation

Many issues within Indigenous family systems stem from the trauma experienced at residential schools, leading to the loss of ancestral knowledge, value systems, ceremonies, language, and identity.

These losses often result in the abuse of substances, alcohol, devices, and even other people.

To address these deep-seated issues, a group of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, residential school Survivors, and non-Indigenous neighbours from Star Blanket Cree Nation on Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan have come together. Their hope is to awaken their people’s identities and spirits by revitalizing educational practices through ceremony, song, dance, and kinship teachings.

Now in its fourth year and supported by funding from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), a Walkathon titled “Walking Together – Honoring the Children” will take place on July 1. The event will feature a community walk with participants receiving t-shirts, a community feast, land-based family day camps, sweat lodges, art club days, and a mural painting session with artist Chasity Starr.

The event offers opportunities for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Treaty 4. It enables Star Blanket Cree Nation’s youth, Elders, families, and community members to embrace one another with greater understanding, truth, honesty, and love. Ultimately, this event helps ensure that the teachings and language of their ancestors remain alive for future generations.

Archdiocese of Regina

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