YMCA Calgary is situated on the Ancestral Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, the North and South Piikani Nations, and the Kainai Tribe, including members of Treaty 7 First Nations, the Tsuut'ina Nation, and the three Bands of the Stoney Nation. Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III, and all those who make their home in this area.
As we near the end of National Indigenous History month, we want to take some time to reflect on all the special moments shared across our association. This spring brought many opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture, traditions and teachings.
Tipi Raising & Blessings
Tipis were raised and blessed at both Quarry Park Child Development Centre and Camp Riveredge. Both spaces utilize the traditional Blackfoot tipis for programming along with honouring and celebrating Indigenous culture.
The tipi at Quarry Park Child Development Centre was blessed by Elder Herman Yellow Old Women. This was a special moment, as Elder Herman had a dream of how this tipi should be painted back in 2021.
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The stars at the top of the tipi represent the big dipper and little dipper to honour Mother Moon.
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The stripes below represent the 4 directions, painted in alternating YMCA colours.
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The sun located on the north and south side of the tipi honours Father Sun.
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The shield located in the middle with the YMCA logo, draped cloth and eagle feathers represent the protection, guidance and teachings being handed down to the children. The cloth represents the staff, the feathers are the children and the shield is the YMCA protecting everyone.
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The mountains and hills with the dots at the bottom represent the landscape of Calgary and the mountains for Quarry Park.
Shannon Doram, President & CEO of YMCA Calgary shared about her experience attending these events. “I learned about transferred rights & tipi ownership, the special and important role of lodgekeepers, and about facing the door to the east to welcome the sun each day. It was incredible to share this experience with so many friends and colleagues.”
We are grateful to Jaron Weasel Bear, Knowledge Keeper of the Piikani Tribe, for helping raise these three tipis at Camp Riveredge YMCA. These tipis, set on the ancestral land of the Blackfoot people along the banks of the Elbow River, will continue to be a culturally safe space for morning smudging, camp programming, and shelter for our campers this summer.
Jaron Weasel Bear and Careen Provost also helped Camp Riveredge YMCA raise the Treaty 7 Nation flag this June, a tradition which began in 2022. This flag will be raised every morning of summer camp, as a symbol of YMCA Calgary’s commitment to our Truth and Reconciliation journey, and in acknowledgement of the important path we are walking towards peace and friendship with the Treaty 7 nations.
Indigenous Hoops Tournament
Our Annual Indigenous Youth Hoops Tournament was back for its 16th season. The tournament featured 18 teams of four, special guest Drezus as the halftime performer, as well as traditional dancers, a live DJ, a land acknowledgement by the Calgary Police Service, and a blessing by Elder Jackie Bromley.
You can read more about our Indigenous Hoops Tournament here!
Staff Recognition
This year our Indigenous Team recognized and honoured Steve Elliot, General Manager of Aquatics, for the way he leads our reconciliation work with humility and kindness.
He was gifted a painted walking stick that has greetings and symbolism from all Treaty 7 Nations. The walking stick was blessed by Elder Dr Andrew Bear Robe with red paint for Creator to protect him and his loved ones.
“This work is not easy for our Indigenous Team as it can be extractive, but Steve is always there to help hold space by organizing events, cultural field trips or training for all YMCA staff to experience. His journey has just started and the stick he was gifted will be a reminder of the leadership, kindness and advocacy that community recognizes as he continues to walk this journey with our team, elders and community.” – Sarena Provost, Indigenous Manager at YMCA Calgary
Virtual Reality demos with USAY
We partnered with USAY for a second year to give YMCA staff, volunteers, members and visitors the opportunity to participate in a virtual Indigenous learning experience. Through VR, you can visit Writing on Stone National Park and other cultural experiences to further learn in an interactive and fun way.
YMCA Brave Dogs Clan and Prairie Chickens Clan Honour Ceremony
The Brave Dogs Clan (high school) and Prairie Chickens Clan (junior high) are Indigenous programs within Community YMCA that take place at select schools in Calgary. Students learn leadership and mentorship skills, receive educational support and learn traditional teachings.
This ceremony happens annually at the end of each school year to recognize and honour the youth for their dedication, learning and growth in the program.
“Our program provides Indigenous youth with a sense of self while building a connection to their culture The students connect what they are learning with practices in their own homes.” – Teigan Smith, South Indigenous Youth Coordinator
Drum and Dance program Powwow Initiation
Drum & Dance is a weekly family drop-in night at our Saddletowne YMCA. This is a time where participants brush up on their skills in Powwow dance styles, drumming, and Indigenous culture.
Each year they host an event to initiate dancers into the powwow. This time also included a family potluck and an opportunity for all the participants, their families, staff, the Drum Group and program Elders to celebrate the end of the program year.
Dancers from the Drum & Dance program performed at our Report to Community this year. You can see all the pictures here!
Our Commitment
Our Truth and Reconciliation committee is hard at work to provide experiences and learning opportunities for staff and volunteers to expand their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and the historical contexts which have led to today.
“There is a lot of work to still accomplish in the area of Truth and Reconciliation for YMCA Calgary and as this is a non-linear journey, we are navigating our way through next steps. We are committed to building relations, fostering understanding, creating learning opportunities and building towards a YMCA community that embraces and celebrates Indigenous people and culture.” – Christy Repchuk, Director of Fund Development
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month and find valuable resources to deepen your learnings here!