Culture and Language Revitalization
Whitebear First Nation Traditional Protocol Event
The Indian Act remains a contentious piece of legislation within settler and Indigenous communities. Despite policies within it aimed at limiting traditional practices, it is also the only document that allows some measure of protection for Indigenous traditions.
It remains in place today to ensure that erasure efforts led by colonialization, such as the Residential School System, never return.
It also serves as a guarantee that Indigenous Peoples will retain the right to practice their spiritual ceremonies. Residential School Survivors and Elders who remember these erasure attempts are at the forefront of efforts to reclaim and revitalize ceremonies that pass knowledge on to future generations.
White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan has seen an alarming trend with the decline of community participation in ceremonies over the years. As the Elders who carry sacred knowledge age, there is an urgent need for teaching, observing, practising, and learning traditions directly from those who hold them. To answer this call, the community is launching the White Bear First Nations Traditional Protocol Event led by Residential School Survivors and community Elders. This two-day gathering will bring together youth, adults, Elders, Survivors, Chief and Council, and school staff to learn about the Saulteaux, Cree, Dakota, and Nakota ceremonies and traditions of White Bear First Nations. Elders and community members will lead discussions and teachings focused on traditional protocols, spirituality, culture, and the roles and responsibilities of community members. Through prayer, ceremony, discussion, observation, and hands-on learning, participants will better understand the protocols of their Nations.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is contributing funding to support these events to ensure no further loss of knowledge, culture and practices continues. By ensuring that wisdom held by Elders is shared with younger generations, White Bear First Nation members will better understand the importance of reclaiming their Indigeneity and reclaiming pride in their identities.
Archdiocese of Regina
