The Story Behind Our Talking Circle Series
Did you know, the Talking Circle Series at Seba Seniors began with conversations between two of our members, Carolyn Wagner and Cathie D while quilting together?
They spent many hours talking about Indigenous history in Alberta. Carolyn has a degree in Native Studies ( awanáánaakii Wagner, B.A.(Hons) Native Studies, MAIS Cultural Studies – in progress) and knew a lot about these topics, while Cathie had taken an online course about Indigenous history with the University of Alberta (Indigenous Canada Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) exploring Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada at uab.ca/indigenous-canada). This was all around the same time the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its recommendations. It was these conversations over quilting that inspired them to bring these discussions to our community here at Seba Beach.
Cathie applied for a grant from the New Horizons for Seniors Program and we were fortunate enough to receive the funding. This led to the creation of a committee, and the Talking Circle Series was born. The series was so well-received that we received funding for two years in a row.
In 2022, the Talking Circles helped us learn about Canada’s past and the wrongs that were done to Indigenous peoples. The Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Report gave us guidance on how to move forward. Through these sessions, we explored what happened in the past, and how we can work together as a community to make things better.
The series covered topics such as:
- Indigenous Stories – Oral histories and personal experiences.
- Plains Culture – How Indigenous peoples used natural resources, their culture, and their traditional forms of government.
- Past Laws – While this legislation was enacted in 1876, it is still in effect now. Old and repealed laws pertaining to Indigenous people include the Gradual Civilization Act, 1857 and the Gradual Enfranchisement Act, 1869. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gradual-enfranchisement-act
- Métis People – Their history, culture, and struggles, including hunting and fishing rights.
- The Numbered Treaties – How treaties and the Indian Reserve system shaped Indigenous life.
- Colonial Impacts – The banning of Indigenous ceremonies, loss of language, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop, among other issues.
Resources
Truth & Reconciliation Recommendations – https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
University of Alberta (Indigenous Canada Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) exploring Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada at uab.ca/indigenous-canada).
2023 – ORANGE SHIRT DAY
In 2023, we hosted Orange Shirt Day. The day began with a rattle-making workshop. 13 rattles were made! The crowd grew bigger as the day progressed. There were about 40 people present with at least 20 participating from Paul First Nation.
LUNCH & A PRESENTATION
Our attendees enjoyed a traditional indigenous lunch of Venison stew, Bison stew, Bannock (plain, raisin or cheese with a nice homemade jam) Fry bread, and homegrown tomatoes. All prepared by committee volunteers!
Carolyn Wagner, our elder and advisor, spoke about iinísskimm – the Blackfoot Buffalo Calling Stone which covered topics on:
- the history of ammonites and ammolite (Alberta’s Official gemstone),
- the oral history of the iinísskimm, and
- two audio-recorded iinísskimm songs by her grandmother Rosie Day Rider and her elder Morris Little Wolf which are embedded in their telling of the iinísskimm story.
PERFORMANCE BY TRADITIONAL DANCERS
Brothers Braden and Anthony Rabbit performing a grass dance. We were honored to be joined by elders who danced from Paul First Nation. Payton and Annaliegh Rabbit also perform a dance
A RESOLUTION & OUR FUTURE
Every year, on September 30, we recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This year, we’ve made it an official event and are proud to have nominated Dennis Paul, a local advocate, for an Okimaw Award for his efforts to promote reconciliation. (https://www.okimaw.org)
The Talking Circle Series has helped us understand our history and build a path forward, so we can create a more inclusive and united community for everyone.
