In celebration and the spirit of reconciliation, Lethbridge Polytechnic will host Stone Pipe Days March 24 to 28.
The week-long event encourages students, employees and the broader community to come together to celebrate the Siksikaitsitapi, the Blackfoot people, along with their culture and heritage. This year's celebration carries the theme of "coming together in a holistic way."
"The Stone Pipe, or Ohkotoki'aahkkoiyiiniimaan, is commonly used in sacred ceremonies of the Niitsitapi people to promote land-based learning," says Jordan Head, Indigenous cultural advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic. "The polytechnic is here to share knowledge and promote growth. We want to benefit future generations, and that journey starts here."
The week's main events will highlight traditional dance, with the Stone Pipe Days powwow taking place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. A healing-focused round dance will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursday in The Cave (CE1300).
Several other events featuring Blackfoot culture and community will also take place throughout the week. At noon on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the E.C. Fredericks Theatre, speakers from various backgrounds will present stories and topics related to Blackfoot culture. Additionally, Lethbridge Polytechnic will present an Indigenous film series as part of the week's celebrations. The series of four films will highlight Indigenous stories, voices and perspectives.
"Lethbridge Polytechnic is also known as Ohkotoki'aahkkoiyiiniimaan, Stone Pipe, for our place in sharing knowledge for the betterment of people," says Dr. Brad Donaldson, president and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic. "Our campus is situated on lands that the Blackfoot people have traditionally inhabited. As a polytechnic community, we strive to honour this land by fostering a sense of connection, Kakyosin. This celebration is our opportunity to deepen our understanding of, and fully acknowledge, the significance of being on Blackfoot Territory."
For a complete list of Stone Pipe Days events, visit lethpolytech.ca/stonepipedays.
