Turtle Talk
By: Candida Shepherd
“I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are on Treaty 6 traditional territories in Alberta of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.”
October 2021
Tan'si My Friends!
What a busy month it has been within the Indigenous community!
The Truth and Reconciliation Commision (2008-2015)was the beginning of Canada’s acknowledgement of the wrongs done to the Indigenous people. For me, it was the beginning of a path of healing. My personal journey has been in the reclaiming pride of my culture, my ancestors, and my connection to the Creator. Establishing a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation gives me hope that systemic changes will happen. Healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples will happen. Healing between the generations of Indigenous Peoples will happen. Reconciliation is about respect and is about love and we all have a role when it comes to reconciliation.
Leading upto September 30th, the month was full of conversations, projects around the school and a field trip to Frog Lake! I am grateful for the privilege of sharing a culture and peoples who mean very much to me.
Hiy hiy.
Frog Lake Massacre National Historic Site ... Field Trip
September 27th, the week of the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Bev Facey had the opportunity to travel to the Frog Lake Massacre National Historic Site.
I am grateful to Elder Fernie for inviting us into his community. For Ricky Marty our host. For Shawn Waskahat for one of the many teachings we received. We had a ceremony teaching on smudging, there was dancing, bannock and drumming.
Hearing the real story of Frog Lake was part of the TRUTH we need and encourages our students to be critical of how information is presented when it comes to history in Canada between the First Nations and the colonizers. We ended our visit with a round dance that was truly moving to be a part of. May we continue to open our hearts to learn more and be inspired to do more.
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Metis Nation of Alberta
Take a minute to meet... Gregg Deal
Gregg Deal is an American Artist. He does performance art, murals, street art with a focus on decolonization, historical indigenous experience, stereotypes and identity.
Check out his art and his TEDx talk at a conference in Boulder, Colorado. Please be aware that there is some material that may trigger a strong emotional reaction.
Thank you to Ricky Marty of Frog Lake for sharing this story with me.
Hiy Hiy - Thank you for your time.
Email: candida.shepherd@eips.ca
Website: bevfacey.ca
Location: Bev Facey Community High School, Colwill Boulevard, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: (780) 467-0044
Twitter: @candidasheph