Walking in the Footsteps of our Ancestors

The wisdom held by Elders and shared with the youngest generations is the bridge between past and present, the tether tying together ancient traditions and modern culture.

This wisdom is vital to preserving generational knowledge, yet too often is lost before it can be passed down. Cowessess First Nation has lost much of its history, leaving a painful gap in the record of community traditions, culture and identity. Today, the stories and memories of seniors, or kêhtê-ayak, offer a vital link to ancestors whose teachings still guide the Nation.

Cowessess First Nation is working to ensure future generations inherit a living history by launching the Celebrating Our Identities and Cultural Ways Project. Starting in summer 2025 and led by Cowessess members who are survivors of the Marieval Indian Residential School, this project will collect and compile the critical knowledge held by Elders in both print and digital formats. These stories will become educational resources, forming the foundation for meaningful curriculum for young Indigenous students, families and community members. The project will also include community events, student sharing circles, participation in the National Gathering of Elders in Edmonton, and a community celebration.

Knowledge preservation is more essential than ever, and intergenerational teachings are the way Indigenous Peoples have maintained their cultural knowledge for countless centuries. The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is honoured to support this important work to continue Cowessess First Nation’s legacy, uplift Elders’ voices and ensure they remain central to the life and identity of the community.

Archdiocese of Regina