The photos below are from our Calgary team's event led by the Brown Bear Woman, which focused on Indigenous history and culture. Our group had the opportunity to witness a tipi-setting demonstration and engage in traditional hand games with Brown Bear Woman, enriching our knowledge and respect for Indigenous customs.
The photos show our staff being introduced to the Spirit Language Orthography, one of two systems of writing in nehiyawewin—the Plains Cree Language. Our staff practiced writing in nehiyawewin and had the opportunity of exploring the Fort Edmonton Park to learn about the Indigenous Peoples Experience
In Vancouver, our team took part in the "Spoken Treasures" nature walking tour offered by Talaysay Tours. This immersive experience offered us a glimpse into the world of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Coast Salish and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Peoples. As we walked through the natural landscape, we listened to stories about how these communities have utilized the land for thousands of years for food, medicine, and technology. The tour provided a profound understanding of their sustainable practices and deep connection to the environment. Our team got to taste the light green edges of the Western Hemlock and inhale the crushed scent of Red Cedar tree leaves.