As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is reflecting on the efforts made towards decolonization and reconciliation, while recognizing there is significant work still to be done.
Treaty 7 Elders gather at Natoysopoyiis for the renaming Pipe Ceremony.
In the continued spirit of reconciliation, SAIT's Indigenous resource centre Chinook Lodge has been renamed to connect the Indigenous student space back to its Blackfoot roots. Natoysopoyiis [nah-toy so-poh-yees], the new name for the space, means "holy wind lodge" in the language of the Blackfoot people.
"As we approach the fall equinox, give thanks for the harvest and hold ceremonies to honour the sun we'll soon begin to prepare for the coming winter," says Steve Kootenay-Jobin, Manager, Indigenous Student Supports. "The timing feels appropriate to re-introduce our Indigenous space to the community and unveil the new name gifted to us by Elder Miiksika'am of Siksika Nation."
When sharing the new name, Elder Miiksika'am described Natoysopoyiis as the wind carrying a sudden wet snowstorm which blankets the ground bringing moisture for the earth and life below. "This wind teaches us to prepare for unexpected weather change like in life and unforeseen circumstances."
In the spring, Jennifer Russell, SAIT's Director of Indigenous Engagement and Kootenay-Jobin met with Elder Miiksika'am, who is a member and recognized spiritual leader of the Blackfoot Confederacy, to begin the process of renaming the Lodge. A Pipe Ceremony was held in the summer where SAIT and the lodge were gifted with the name Natoysopoyiis. Elders and Pipe Carriers from Treaty 7 communities participated and shared a feast following the ceremony.
"The strength in having the name changed to a word in the Blackfoot language is an acknowledgement and tribute to the first stewards of our land, as many students from these Indigenous communities pass through the lodge during their journey through higher education," says Kootenay-Jobin.
Those in attendance at the Lodge renaming ceremony were introduced to SAIT's new Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Thomas Snow. A Knowledge Keeper refers to someone who has been taught by an Elder or a senior Knowledge Keeper within their community and holds traditional knowledge and teachings.
Snow grew up in Mînî Thnî formerly known as Morley, and was raised primarily speaking Îyethka, or Stoney Nakoda Sioux. His grandparents were ceremonialists and his father apprenticed under his grandmother. His mother was raised traditionally and immersed in ceremony. Snow has dedicated his life to carrying on the customs and practices of his ancestors while passing on the teachings and growing as a leader in a humble way.
In an effort to provide employees and students with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and gain deeper insight into Indigenous and Canadian histories, experiences and perspectives, SAIT will host a Truth and Reconciliation Event Series for employees and students. Beginning on Friday, Sept. 22, events will take place on campus until Wednesday, Oct. 4.
"Our event series is a positive step forward in SAIT's truth and reconciliation journey. Having joined the institution in March, I am really inspired by the foundational commitment to decolonization and the collaborative spirit embracing our Indigenization efforts," says Russell.
Events will include multiple speaker series on the topics of Treaty 7, residential schools and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples, as well as a ceremonial flag raising, recognition of Orange Shirt Day and an Every Child Matters March.
"This is a time for the SAIT community to reflect on our commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment and take meaningful steps toward truth, healing and understanding," says Russell.
SAIT will be closed Friday, Sept. 29 in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, Sept. 30. Members of the SAIT community are encouraged to spend the day accessing educational and community-based resources and activities.
