CONNECTIONS is for Foster and Kinship Caregivers to help them support the Indigenous, Metis and Inuit children and youth in their care to stay connected and learn more about their culture and traditions.
|
|
The Buffalo are sacred to North American Indigenous people. There are Plains Buffalo and Woodland Bison(Buffalo), their names reflective of where they live.
Buffalo was not only the main food source for many Indigenous nations, but they were also the source of much-needed raw materials to make tools, clothing, sewing needles, cutlery, jewellery, candles, arrowheads, teepee covers, and so much more
The buffalo is also an important part of many Indigenous ceremonies and spiritual traditions and an essential part of Indigenous culture.
Because of the importance of this majestic animal to the Indigenous people of North America, this month, we are SPOTLIGHTING the BUFFALO, and we hope you enjoy learning more together with the children and youth in your care! Don't forget to check out the caregiver resources and cultural programs for children, youth and families this summer that we've included as well.
|
|
The Buffalo represents RESPECT and is one of the Seven Sacred Teachings
|
|
The Buffalo Treaty is a treaty of cooperation, restoration and renewal aiming to restore the wild buffalo herds to the lands they once roamed freely. Watch the video of how Glenbow Elementary School students from Cochrane got to sign their signature of support on the first modern-day inter-tribal treaty signed in 150 years!
|
|
If you, your family and/or school is interested in signing the Buffalo Treaty you can learn more here
|
|
BUFFALO was the principal food source for Indigenous Peoples in North America. The meat is low fat with no gamey aftertaste.
TRY A TRADITIONAL FAVORITE!
(If you google "where can I buy Bison meat in Alberta,"
you will find a retailer in your area)
|
|
INDIGENOUS WORDS FOR BUFFALO |
|
PLAINS CREE
plains buffalo - paskwâwimostos (na)
woods bison - sakâwmostos (na)
BLACKFOOT
buffalo - iiníí
DAKOTA PRAIRIE NATIONS
bison (buffalo bull) - tatanka
STONEY-NAKOTA
buffalo - tatanga
|
|
|
|
Check out these Buffalo Coloring pages From Super Coloring Pages
Print or COLOR online!
|
|
|
|
NEW! ALIGN ASSOCIATION
BUFFALO WORD SEARCH
Download and Print your Buffalo Word Search pdf and then find and circle all the words listed that represent the buffalo and its uses to Indigenous people. If you can't find them all, use the
|
|
ALBERTA BUFFALO DESTINATIONS |
|
Visit some Alberta destinations this summer and learn more about the Buffalo! |
|
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
|
|
For nearly 6,000 years, Blackfoot hunters used their cunning and knowledge of the land and bison behaviour to chase bison over the cliffs at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This important archeological site is one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved buffalo jumps. Touring the cliffs and exploring the world-class museum with an Indigenous guide, you can imagine the Blackfoot bands’ ancient way of life...
See the cliffs that spelled their doom and hear the stories of the elders.
|
|
The team flies to Alberta, where they meet with respected Piikani elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe to learn about the sacred relationship between the buffalo and the ancient people of the Prairies. They then head to the world-famous Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, where archaeologist Jack Brink takes them step by step through the most spectacular and successful food-getting enterprise ever devised.
|
|
Experience the Rockies as they were before the arrival of European settlers and take in the culture of First Nations people from all across North America with Buffalo Nations. The Museum showcases how people lived off and with the land to survive.
|
|
|
Available to book from mid-May to mid-September
|
|
Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton lies a natural wonderland open all year long! Follow the footprints of a bison and learn how this magnificent animal was brought back from near extinction. The aspen thickets which surrounded the prairie and provided forage and protection for the wintering herds of Woodland bison. Open year-round.
|
|
FOSTER/KINSHIP CAREGIVERS |
|
Little Cub is a half-day, discussion-based workshop examining suicide prevention in Indigenous children and communities. The Little Cub Workshop draws heavily on storytelling and oral tradition. It begins by recognizing the unique precipitating factors of suicide in Indigenous communities and moves through to identifying risk and protective factors in children 12 years of age and younger. The workshop finishes by empowering participants with knowledge and tools to transfer the care of a child considering suicide to a community-based resource person…
River of Life is an interactive half-day workshop created for adults working with Indigenous young people 12 and up. This interactive workshop discusses strategies to strengthen the protective factors of young people considering suicide and focuses on providing participants with the knowledge to competently respond.
|
|
ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP CENTER OF CALGARY
Original Creation – July 20 to August 18
Original Sound – August 24 to Sept 22
Families have the opportunity to learn traditional teachings from a variety of elders and learn with their children.
ALEXIS NAKOTA SIOUX NATION
BENT ARROW (Edmonton)
Celebrates Indigenous culture through land-based teachings for youth. Kids have the opportunity to do arts and crafts along with field trips, stories, Guest Speakers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Children get to do cultural practices; it is also important that they will have the chance to listen to guest speakers and Elders as a way to learn more about their roots they may have and make sure that the legacy and culture of Indigenous persons does not disappear
SUNDAY FUNDAY (Kikosewin FRN) Edmonton 1:30 – 3:00 PM First Sunday of the Month. Registration is required. Join them in your comfy PJs for a movie and snack!
Hope Group Youth Program (Kikosewin FRN) Edmonton Bi-Weekly Tues 3:30 – 5 PM Youth ages 13-17 ‘Aksistooyíípaitapissin’ is ‘the thing that motivates someone to stay alive’. Join us as we build connections, experience indigenous teachings and express! Snacks and journals provided
Learn life skills, traditional crafting, and support self awareness! “Around the Hub” draws from the unique skill sets of Kikosewin’s staff, and shares these with our youth.
Twice a month programs are offered for tweens. Join in the fun and learning with recreational activities and Indigenous teachings.
|
|
EDMONTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Indigenous Constellations: Light Up the Night
EDMONTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
MISKANAWAH (Calgary)
Little Wonders is an early literacy, music and play program designed for families and their children from birth up to age 6 years old. This program has a distinctive rhythm and energy that perfectly captures the attention of young children and reflects traditional ways of connecting spiritually, socially and emotionally.
West Tawaw Coffee and Play (pdf) Calgary Thurs July 21 and Aug 4 & 18 10 AM – 1 PM Ages 0-10. Engage in crafting and other activities to help connect with your children and create new summer memories. Caregivers will also have the opportunity to enjoy some coffee and a light lunch and meet other caregivers looking to connect with
Cree Knowledge Keeper, Wilfred Buck An amazing weekend of star stories, ceremony, and portable planetariums.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
