Sharing, learning and connecting through culture and community

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. CONNECTIONS: Connections: Coaldale and area residents recently gathered to learn about the Blackfoot culture, traditions and community, through “A Day of Connection: Culture and Community through Blackfoot Ways.” The event was held at Millenium Park in Coaldale on June 26. Billie-Jean Standing Alone, owner of Sikapinaki Catering, makes some berry soup.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Coaldale and area residents recently gathered to learn about and experience the Blackfoot culture, traditions and community, thanks to “A Day of Connection: Culture and Community through Blackfoot Ways.” 

The event, co-hosted by the Town of Coaldale in partnership with Barons-Eureka-Warner Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and Homefire, was held at Millenium Park in Coaldale on June 26. 

It was an afternoon of connection, learning, and community as residents of all ages gathered to celebrate Blackfoot culture and traditions. The event featured drumming, storytelling, traditional foods catered by Sikapinaki Catering, and hands-on activities, where participants learned about the importance of culture, community, and relationship with the land.

“In honour of National Indigenous People’s Day, on June 21, the Town of Coaldale and Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS and Homefire have partnered to bring this cultural event to the Town of Coaldale for residents to learn about the culture and experience the culture,” said Petra Debow, manager of Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS. “We’re making Bannock, fried bread and berry soup and we have drummers coming to provide cultural ceremonial drumming.” 

In addition to the activities, there was also a blessing of the land and the first tree – which will be planted later this year, in a separate ceremony. 

Debow spoke about the importance of sharing Indigenous culture and traditions with people in Coaldale and the surrounding communities. 

“It’s really important to gather together, to enjoy music, painting rocks and being together from different cultures and learning from one culture in particular, the Blackfoot culture,” said Debow. “There’s so much to learn and they have a long history of living here on this land, so this is our way of teaching, sharing and learning from each other.”    

Mayor Jack Van Rijn was in attendance for the special event and noted one of the highlights for him was watching the traditional breads and berry soup being prepared, and the skill and tradition that goes into making these foods.   

“It was also very special to be part of the blessing of the land where future trees will be planted through the Town’s Urban Forestry Plan,” said Van Rijn. “This was an important and thoughtful way to recognize the significance of the land and the growth to come as we continue building a greener and more connected community,” he added, noting a separate event will be held at a later date to bless the first tree planted as part of the initiative.  

Brooke Tonin, Special Events Coordinator with the Town of Coaldale, helped coordinate “A Day of Connection: Culture and Community through Blackfoot ways,” and said it was great to see people participate, and added they hope to present similar events again in the future.   

“Today’s event brings everybody together,” said Tonin. “We want to bring culture and learning to the community and have people enjoy it.”