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.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver you can help foster a child's identity:
- Learn as much as you can about the specific culture of the child – its traditions, strengths and challenges. Aboriginal cultures are diverse (there are approximately 50 different Aboriginal cultural groups in Canada) and there is also diversity within each community.
- Try to balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the child.
- Support the child to learn and maintain traditional language.
- Provide regular opportunities for child to take part in traditional activities. Fish, gather berries, prepare and eat traditional foods together.
- Provide regular opportunities for child to take part in community events. Attend ceremonial and ritual events.
- Encourage meaningful interaction with Elders from the community. Children can learn respect and wisdom from Elders.
- Support learning traditional stories and legends.
- Provide books, videos, traditional games, dance and music that reinforce traditional, family and daily life.
- Speak frankly about discrimination.
- Network with other Aboriginal parents, colleagues and Elders to share experiences and ideas.
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This month's SPOTLIGHT is the Eagle Feather.
We have included some resources and activities to broaden your awareness of the significance of the Eagle Feather in Indigenous culture and traditions and we encourage you to learn along with the children and youth in your car
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Reach out to the Elders to learn more! |
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When a feather falls to the earth, it is believed to carry all of the bird's energy, and it is perceived as a gift from the sky, the sea, and the trees. Feathers may arrive unexpectedly but not without a purpose. Each type of feather represents something different. The eagle’s feather, however, is one of the most esteemed. In Native culture, the eagle is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds... Native Hope
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1 Eagle feathers are obtained from Elders who have the ability to give them to individuals.
2 An eagle's feathers are given to another in honor, and the feathers are displayed with dignity and pride.
3 A feast is held to honour the feathers. The care and responsibility that comes with carrying an Eagle feather must be taught
4 When one receives an Eagle Feather that person is being acknowledged with gratitude, with love, and with ultimate respect.
5 That feather must have sacred tobacco burnt for it. In this way the Eagle and the Creator are notified of the name of the new Eagle Feather Holder.
6 Eagle feathers are often gifted to Indigenous high school graduates by Elders in many school districts.
7 The Eagle feather must be fed. You feed the Eagle Feather by holding or wearing the feather at sacred ceremonies. By doing this the Eagle Feather is recharged with sacred energy.
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The three Alberta Courts make eagle feathers available for witnesses to swear upon should they want to do so.
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Now new police recruits, witnesses and complainants have the option of swearing their oaths with a sacred eagle feather, Holy Bible, Noble Qur’an, or affirmation / solemn declaration...
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If You Find An Eagle Feather,
Can You Keep It?
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The laws pertaining to the possession of eagle parts vary quite widely from province to province. "Raptors such as eagles, hawks and owls are not protected by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act, so they fall under the provincial legislation known as the Alberta Wildlife Act,"
In Alberta it is illegal to hunt, possess or sell eagles or eagle parts.
If you find an eagle feather or a dead eagle or part of an eagle including feathers do not touch it - contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife. If someone tries to sell you a genuine eagle feather do not purchase it and contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife or the police.
Indigenous communities can request eagle feathers from Alberta Fish & Wildlife for ceremonial or spiritual purposes.
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READ ALOUD VIDEO
In this children's book, author Kevin Locke shares with us that each feather on the eagle's wing represents a virtue that we can all learn from.
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BOOKS FOR TWEEN & TEENS
Eagle Feather Series -- fiction for children & young teens. Readers will be captivated by the intrigue of the mysteries … and lives changed in the process. These are novels for pre-teens, teens, and older, exploring questions of tradition and faith — real life issues for Native North American youth. Produced by NCEM. Written by Bernard Palmer or Karen Peters.
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Award: Best Books for Kids and Teens 2018
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A simple video on how to draw a Native American Indian eagle feather.
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Now that Spring is here, get the kids together outdoors for a traditional game of
Screaming Eagle!
Competition Rules
● Form a line one behind the other at the designated starting point
● When given the signal to start, the first player shall take a deep breath and start
screaming as they run with their ownership stick in the air.
● When they run out of breath and can't scream anymore, they must stop and place their ownership stick on the ground to mark their distance.
● Each participant gets three turns in total
Scoring
● The distance is measured after each turn
● The three distances are added together for a grand total
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Online May 2 – May 4, 2022
for Potential & Existing Foster Caregivers.
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Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams Celebrated in May and June, invites people of all ages to plant heart gardens in memory of children lost to the residential school system, to honour residential school survivors and their families, and support the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). See FN Caring Society Heart Garden FAQ
Bear Witness Day May 10th!
An important date in the history of Jordan’s Principle at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
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Take part in watching the FILM Spirit Bear and Children Make History! Will be available HERE from May 1 - May 11, 2022!
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Teddy Bear tea parties are a fantastic way to celebrate Bear Witness Day, and many of our other activities. Tea parties are already so much fun, why not include our teddy bears? Even better, you can easily hold a virtual Teddy Bear tea party!
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DONT MISS OUT!
Ages 12 - 30 Weds 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Lac Ste. Anne County
ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP CENTER OF CALGARY
On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ages 6-17come 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.
Full Program (4 Cycles): Original Feeling – May 11 to June 9, Original Thought – June 15 to July 14, Original Creation – July 20 to August 18, Original Sound – August 24 to September 22 Families have the opportunity to learn traditional teachings from a variety of elders and learn with their children.
Wednesdays, April 28, May 5, May 12, 2021 6 pm – 8 pm Cost: Free, registration required Whether you are new to powwow dancing or want to learn a new style, this class covers it all. Come learn the history of the different styles and get a work-out in while you learn. The whole family is welcome!
Thursday Afternoons 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Check to Confirm Dates and Times)
Everyone Welcome. Lunch and on-site childcare is provided.
September through June, Monday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
12-21 years, an opportunity to reach their full potential through culturally-relevant and leadership-specific components and activities
Wednesday & Saturday, April 20 - May18 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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April 19 - June 21 | Tuesdays | 10 weeks | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM This program will be offered online and in-person.
Little Wonders is an early literacy, music, and play program designed for families and their children from ages 0-6 years that reflects traditional ways of connecting spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Bi-Weekly Wednesday 5 PM – 8 PM
This is a time where youth are able to connect with Elders, and Knowledge Holders.
Weds Sept – May 5 - 7 PM
An evening of food, traditional learnings, drumming, singing, arts and physical activities
April 30 to June 25, 2022 | 5 weeks Saturdays at 10 AM – 12 PM
Onsite & virtual option for children ages 0-12 years.
Bring your family for a weekly Drum and Dance drop-in night. Learn or brush-up your skills in Pow Wow dance styles, drumming and Indigenous culture.
Visit site for more info regarding dates and times The program will encompass cultural teachings through storytelling, traditional activities, leadership skills, 7 Sacred Teachings, Medicine Wheel Teachings, Elders and cultural field trips.
Coyote Kids is a free weekly culturally based program for Indigenous children from the age of 6 to 12 years. The children participate in and learn about cultural activities, teachings, and ceremonies. Learning about their heritage and culture is a very important part of the program.
Camp - In July and August, if funding allows, the Coyote Kids Cultural Camp operates for the Coyote kids ages 7 to 12 years. Children and counselors sleep in tipis, and attend ceremonies, play games, and sports. For more information call: (780) 481-3451
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To Submit Resources or Events email starrd@alignab.ca
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