Turtle Talk
By: Candida Shepherd
“Welcome to Treaty 6 Territory and the Homelands of Metis Nation Region 4. I am grateful for the opportunity acknowledging that we are on traditional territories in Alberta of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.”
We are all Treaty People
September 2022
Tan'si
My name is Candida Shepherd. For the last five years, I have enjoyed the challenge of working as the First Nations, Metis and Inuit lead teacher. As a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta here in Region 4, it is my pleasure to share my culture and share my journey as a knowledge-seeker.
It is my responsibility to provide a resource to our school as we expand and deepen our understanding of the diverse Aboriginal cultures in Canada and experience a sense of pride in their own cultural heritage. All people are invited into our circle – feel free to share your knowledge and ask questions.
Each month, I will share a collection of resources, learning moments and anything that I have found interesting… passing it on to you. Here we go….
A Stepping Stone to Reconciliation - My Encounter with the Pope
This summer, I had the opportunity to welcome Pope Francis to our little church in downtown Edmonton. The Pope's visit to Canada was significant. Visiting Indigenous people on our land was a step in the right direction. This was a fulfillment of the TRC Call to Action #58. He came on a "penitential pilgrimage" to encounter, to listen, to apologize.
I was grateful to be in the presence of my Elders over the last few months as we prepared for this visit. I was honored to be in the presence of my Elders as they spoke to and receive his apology.
The importance of this encounter can be summed up in the words of one of our surviving knowledge holders... "Through our healing we do everything we can especially with those who are still struggling, for me the Pope equals healing." - Palegie Neron
The following is an excerpt of my welcoming speech to Pope Francis:
"Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples embodies what we refer to as “Reconcili-ACTION,” where we embrace the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada with action, to live as disciples of Christ to serve those who suffer. We believe with absolute conviction that Every Child Matters. And that every woman and girl is sacred. The presence of our Holy Father here today, who Himself has championed the global rights of children and celebrated the importance of family, is an acknowledgement of our belief that every child has the right to have parents and grandparents in their life, the right to celebrate their culture, whether Indigenous or other, and that every child is entitled to his or her own voice.
Our Church is a place where the survivors of residential school trauma can come with their families and gather as an inclusive community. We embrace the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Our church is a place where we will continue to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages, arts, and music - Instilling pride in our future generations."
The Pope's visit to our church was just over an hour long. The video below is clipped up highlights of My Encounter. - C. Shepherd
Frog Lake First Nation - Medicine and Knowledge
Two very interesting highlights:
1. Taking a student: For extra credit, a very tall, very white, very big student of Bev Facey CHS joined us. The full day was a total of 14 hours long. He participated in every aspect of the journey. I was often asked throughout the day if I was sure that he was only 16 years old.
2. Returning to Chief Big Bear's encampment, "Smoking Hills". Since the last time we were there, a Peace Pipe monument was dedicated on this sight. We even saw bear tracks in the mud. I continue to be amazed at how the land will hold the history until the story can be told correctly.
Please get in touch if you need any sage or sweetgrass.
Shout Out to the Staff of Bev Facey CHS
On Monday August 29th, our staff willingly spend the day with the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert. This was a land-based Professional Development day learning about the multigenerational Métis families who lived along the Sturgeon River. We were led on tours of the Father Lacombe Chapel, the historic river lots, and The Little White School. Celena Loyer led us in a great conversation on Reconciliation. Our day ended with Bannock at the River Lots.
Thanks again, BFH Staff and to the Staff of the Arts and Heritage Foundation!
Aboriginal Studies is back in the classroom!!!
This year, we are in the classroom. I am very excited to be spending everyday with these students. My goal is to create opportunities for developing a deeper understanding of the diverse Indigenous cultures in Canada and have the opportunity to experience a sense of pride in their own cultural heritage. Over the next few months, I hope this experience will be informative and hopefully enjoyable.
There are many reasons to take AB Studies: Personal interest and curiosity in the subject material, to gain the benefit of university entry requirements or simply to hang out with me ;).
We've already had our first land-based field trip to the EIPS Outdoor Cultural Learning Space. We have many more planned.
The term has started with 32 students - There is always room for more students to transfer in...
Note: The term Aboriginal has become out of date. Indigenous Peoples refers to First
Nations, Metis, and Inuit.
'Turtle Talk -Fridays'
Every week, I hold a talking circle with a mini lesson on a topic that peaks my interest related to the First Nations, Metis or Inuit culture. This will happen during the Block 3 Aboriginal Studies class in room 281 (Block 3: 12:20-1:43pm).
Ask your teacher to join us. IF you are a family member, contact the office. - All are welcome!
Topics may include: Pope's Visit, 7 Grandfather Teachings, Medicine Wheel, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, MMIWG, Flags of the First Nations, Metis, and more...
Check the morning bulletin for more info: https://www.bevfacey.ca/parents/daily-bulletin
Pe kiyoke (come and visit!)
What is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation IS a nationally declared holiday on September 30 (formally Orange Shirt Day). This year September 30 is a Friday - Schools will be closed on this day.
This is a somber day to commemorate the horrors of residential schools as acts of genocide against Indigenous Peoples. It is a time to honour residential school Survivors and their families. This day will be marked with wearing our Orange Shirts as an act of remembrance and solidarity with Survivors.
There will be many, many events, teachings and talking circles around Edmonton and surrounding area.
Some at-home ideas may be to watch a movie such as "We Were Children", "Indian Horse"; etc. or perhaps read a book such as, "5 Little Indians", "Our Voice of Fire", "Call Me Indian", etc.
Come see me for more ideas...
Thinking about your future... feeding an interest...
Check here regularly for events, activities and supports.
NAIT: Aboriginal Culture Day
Beginning September 22, 2022 and up to September 30th
NAIT will be hosting events both online and in person for students and staff. Topics include: Truth and Reconciliation, Cooking stew and Bannock, Blanket Exercise, Non Indigenous Perspectives, Residential Schools, etc.
Check out the calendar of events and descriptions:
https://www.nait.ca/nait/about/events/2022/national-day-of-truth-and-reconciliation
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Offers Free Educational Programs
Check it out here: https://nctr.ca/education/trw/
Our Voice of Fire - by Brandi Morin
After reading the prologue together, the students are impatient with my pace of two chapters a week. This is a must read.
Medicines
Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships!!
Metis Nation of Alberta
Hiy Hiy - Thank you for your time.
Email: candida.shepherd@eips.ca
Website: instagram.com/cmsheph
Location: Bev Facey Community High School, Colwill Boulevard, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: (780) 467-0044
Twitter: @candidasheph