SPOTLIGHT - WINTER TRADITIONS
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This edition of CONNECTIONS is all about Winter and an opportunity for children, youth and caregivers to learn more about winter traditions. There are also some upcoming events you will want to take part in and, as always, some great activities, stories, games and more! | |
COOL WINTER FACTS!
- Inuit dog sled runners where made from narwhal tusks
- Ice skates where made from bones for winter travel on rivers and lakes
- Caribou clothing could simply be stomped into the snow to instantly dry it.
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Dehydrated “chips” of dung were burned as fuel.
- Inuit “snow goggles” were made from wood, bone, or ivory to reduce the amount of glare from the blinding snow
- Caribou hair is hollow and traps in heat against the body. These hollow hairs also make caribou skin clothing more buoyant in water
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In the fall and winter months, Indigenous people gather for traditional celebrations called round dances. These indoor events are a staple of the fall and winter months, bringing together communities for food, celebration, and dance. Article - Indigenous Winter Songs & Winter Traditions | |
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ATTENDING A ROUND DANCE
If you are interested in attending a Round Dance and haven't been before, the University of Alberta has put together a short guide, Round Dance 101: What to Know Before Your First Round Dance, to help prepare you for your first Round Dance experience!
MISKANAWAH’S ANNUAL ROUND DANCE February 17, 2024, Calgary For the past 17 years, Miskanawah has hosted an annual Round Dance, which has since become the largest Round Dance in Southern Alberta! A Round Dance is an Indigenous social gathering that extends a welcoming invitation to everyone in a celebration of friendship, diversity, and inclusivity. Traditionally held during the colder months, this event encourages both our Indigenous and non-Indigenous relatives within Treaty 7 territory and beyond to learn, connect, and engage with Elders, traditional Knowledge Keepers, and community members in an evening of singing, drumming, and dancing.
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It’s thought that January’s full Moon came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time.
The full Wolf Moon rises on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Peak illumination is on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 12:54 P.M. EST.
Look for the Moon to rise from the northeastern horizon around sunset that evening.
Learn More - Traditional Moon Names from ALMANAC
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Four Faces of the Moon authors Sherry Farrell Racette and Amanda Strong On a journey to uncover her family’s story, Spotted Fawn travels through time and space to reclaim connection to ancestors, language, and the land in this essential graphic novel. In the dreamworld, she bears witness to a mountain of buffalo skulls, a ghostly monument to the slaughter of the buffalo—a key tactic to starve and contain the Indigenous People onto reservations. Spotted Fawn must travel through her own family history to confront the harsh realities of the past and reignite her connection to her people and the land. Her darkroom becomes a portal... Read Full | |
WINTER READING FOR CHILDREN | |
WINTER SNOW DAY ACTIVITIES | |
On those cold winter days when the kids have to stay indoors try some of these fun winter activities! | |
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Polar Bear Puppets (Kids Craft Room)
Spend a cold indoor evening making these super cute Polar Bear Puppets! They're made from just one sheet of cardstock! Print the pattern, cut, stick and play! What a fun Winter craft! (Comes in 2 sizes to make a polar bear family.)
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Now this looks like a whole lot of fun! Make a village. This is a great indoor activity on snow days
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WINTER VIDEO GAME Snowguard The Marvel superhero is an Inuit teenager named Amka Aliyak from Nunuvut — also known as Snowguard. Amka gains superpowers when she tries to release the spirits of the land who have been captured by a villain using the energy of the land. Amka will be part of the Champions, which also includes teen versions of Spider-Man, Ms Marvel and the Hulk. | | |
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Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are. | |
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WAYS TO PARTICIPATE ON HAVE A HEART DAY
Check out these great ideas from FN Caring Society on how to honour this special day! Send a Valentine’s Day card or letter supporting Have a Heart Day to the Prime Minister and your Member of Parliament.
Snow Bear Activity invites learners of all ages to learn about Have a Heart Day, get outside, and show their support. After learning about why we celebrate Have a Heart Day, we invite you to create snow bears with signs or messages in support of equity for First Nations children.
Spirit Bear’s Recipe Cards Make some of Spirit Bear’s favourite chocolate chip, Rice Krispies and sugar cookies or Cedar Bears Have a Heart cookies! (Gluten Free sugar cookie recipe also available)
Coloring Sheets
Coloring sheets are available for free download
Visit FN Caring Society to learn more and check out more ways you can participate!
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Indigenous, Metis and Francophone communities share their cultures! Enjoy an illuminated journey the Millcreek Ravine, where you can experience First Nations teepees, drumming and stories or continue on to experience the Metis jig, and hear stories about the Flying Canoe!
Learn More
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Family Day February 19th 2024
How Family Day and Indigenous Reconciliation Go Together (ICTI)
How Family Day and Indigenous Reconciliation Go Together (ICTI) As Family Day in a number of provinces across Canada approaches in February, it is important to remember the importance of family of all kinds, whether that be maternal, paternal or chosen. You can help Indigenous families out by doing small gestures to show that you care and are committed to reconciliation. Here are 6 low-cost ways of including Indigenous learning with your family...READ FULL
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The Mat-Su Valley is excited to host the 2024 Arctic Winter Games on March 10-16, 2024. The Arctic Winter Games brings together approximately 2,000 young athletes from around the circumpolar world for a week of athletic competitions and cultural exchanges. Learn More | |
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SUBMISSIONS - If you have cultural events, programs, activities or resources that you'd like to share or if you'd like to suggest newsletter content ideas or things you'd like to see more of, please send an email to starrd@alignab.ca
Subject Line - CONNECTIONS SUBMISSION
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