FEBRUARY 2022
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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.
CREATION STORIES
This months SPOTLIGHT - Creation Stories
The indigenous people in North America have different creation stories amongst the different tribes, and nations. Creation stories tell people about their history, cultures and beliefs, and the environment in which they live or have come from.
A GREAT ANIMATED VIDEO ABOUT TURTLE ISLAND!
RABBITHEAD CAPTURING THE NORTH The Legend of Weesakayjack - First Nation Legend - How North America came to be - Canada
Take a tour of Turtle Island to discover some interesting facts about First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture!
BOOKS
Turtle Island By Kathy Lowinger and Eldon Yellowhorn (Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikaitsitapi); Piikani (Peigan, Aapatohsipikani) This book goes back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. Ages 12 -15

Aski and Turtle Island - Book For Kids Read Aloud This digital storybook was developed as part of the Help Me Tell My Story early childhood
COLORING BOOK
Turtle Island Collection Coloring Book Tales From The Old World by Robert Tait Jr. a coloring book featuring native American characters and designs

POSTER Turtle Island by Warren Rose

A Blackfoot Creation Story that gets learners up and moving the actions of the story! A Blackfoot Movement Story (Be Fit for Life)
DID YOU KNOW?
Not all Indigenous creation stories feature a turtle.
In many Northwest Coast Indigenous cultures, Raven features prominently in origin tales. According to the Haida, for example, Raven created Haida Gwaii and brought light into the world. Sedna, the ocean spirit, whose fingers created all the sea creatures, is central to Inuit creation stories...(Source)

Listen to traditional stories and creation stories told by six Indigenous storytellers from communities across Canada.
FAMILY DAY FEBRUARY 21, 2022
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
PINK SHIRT DAY February 23, 2022
Recognized annually worldwide as a day to stand against bullying. This year’s theme, #BeKindAB, encourages Albertans to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive with colleagues, clients, friends and family. Getting involved is easy. Wear your pink shirt, take a photo and share it on social media with the #PinkShirtDay and #BeKindAB hashtags.
See Ways to Participate Here
REGISTER NOW!
16th Annual Friendship Round Dance 
Saturday, February 26, 2022 | 5:00-10:00PM
Streaming live on our Facebook & YouTube

Join them virtually for a night of drumming & round dancing from the safety of your home
New Blood Check It Out!
Rosebud, Alberta March 18, 2022
An RSA Movement show. The true story of a residential school survivor told through image, movement and dance, scored by the songs of Peter Gabriel and traditional Blackfoot music. This incredible piece of theatre has played to wide acclaim across Alberta and is now coming to Rosebud featuring RSA students and performers from Siksika Nation.

Virtual Cree Classes Edmonton Public Library Facilitated by Leslie Skinner Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This is a free registered, online class CLICK HERE for Monday classes. CLICK HERE  for Wednesday classes
On the third Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, youth aged 6-17 years come together with their parents/guardians to learn the fundamentals of the drum and to learn how to sing and drum as part of a group.

Honouring Life Virtual Youth Program (AFC Calgary)
Calling all youth! If you’re interested in connecting with your community while learning all about your cultural history and identity, join up with Honouring Life Virtual Youth Program. This program runs on Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – email bbairstow@afccalgary.org to register!
CAREGIVER RESOURCES
ALIGN ASSOCIATION HOSTING
CULTURAL SOLUTIONS 201 Little Birds Learning to Fly February 23 – 25, 2022 (Participants must have completed Cultural Solutions 101)

COVID-19 Rapid Test Information Sheet for Foster & Kinship Caregivers who opt into the CS rapid testing program and consent has been provided by child’s guardian. Regions will ensure caregivers receive a copy of the info sheet.

Expert-based, trauma-informed parent support group curricula with everything you need to run a high-quality online or in-person foster, adoptive, or kinship parent support group. Learn More

New eTraining First Steps as an Indigenous Ally - Self-Guided Training from the Indigenous Relations Academy Are you passionate about Indigenous relations? Do you want to take off the backpack and become an active ally? Have you ever asked yourself, “where do I start?!” This course is for YOU. $18.00
SUBMISSIONS

To Submit Resources or Events email starrd@alignab.ca