Honoured in Traditional Blackfoot Culture
This event was so meaningful, as simple Linkedin post just did not feel right. Welcome to my article (a brief one), "Honoured in Traditional Blackfoot Culture".
Earlier this summer, I was honoured to participate in a Special Meeting of Council, in Okotoks, AB. This meeting was special in many ways:
·???????? It was held on a Saturday.
·???????? It was held inside a Traditional Painted Lodge (Tipi).
·???????? We were in the presence of Blackfoot Elders.
·???????? The Town's Indigenous Relations Advisor and a Metis partner (working on their MA) presented to Town Council and the Elders, the Town's new Indigenous Relations Framework.
That experience in itself was such an incredible honour, and likely, a first of its kind Special Meeting of Council.
Council unanimously voted in favour in adopting the Town's new Indigenous Relations Framework. Voting, was followed by passing and smoking the pipe – a way to honour the two parallel systems of western society and traditional Blackfoot oral culture.
The meeting closed and members of Council, Blackfoot Elders emerged from the Tipi so that community members who had gathered to participate could take photos. I got in the line to take photographs.
After a few minutes of photos, I was being called to join them. "I don't need to be in these photos", I thought to myself, as I made my way to the line. As I headed for the 'end of the line' I was motioned to the centre of the group and found myself standing next to Dr. Reg Crowshoe. Dr. Reg, could be a whole article in itself. One of the most thoughtful, kind, loving, spiritually connected people I have ever met.
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He quickly whispered instructions in my ear, "When I push on your back, don't go running away. Just take one step forward." I wasn't sure what was happening.. and then.
I was gifted a Traditional Blackfoot name
Ais'siss'too
pronounced: "A Siss too"
While there is not direct translation to the name Ais'siss'too, Dr. Reg explained it to me after the ceremony. Essentially, when different bands would come together in camp, there was always someone that was the Ais'siss'too. This is the person that would go to each Tipi to make sure they were informed of important details, call campers together for meetings, and make sure that campers had things the needed.
As Dr. Crowshoe said, "Ais'siss'too, the messenger, the doer."
It was a wonderful surprise to be honoured in this way and to be gifted a Traditional Blackfoot name.
Certified Clinical Counsellor and Relationships Consultant | Improving lives through Client-Centered Therapy.
3 个月Congratulations Benjamin.???? The community honors your commitment to improve the lives of people.
Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University
3 个月So happy that your efforts have been acknowledged in this way. Your work benefits so many people. Carry on!
Compassionate & Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC), author and speaker dedicated to easing distress, anxiety, depression & relationship challenges | Expert in Resilience & Mental Health | Trauma-Informed Therapist
3 个月Dear Ais'siss'too: the messenger, the doer, Congratulations m' dear on receiving this honor. . . and I'm so proud to be your mother, especially when I think of all you must have accomplished to receive it. I only know a fraction of what you do for the community but I do know this; you throw your passion, creativity, commitment and heart into your work. Yes, you are the messenger, and The Doer! ????
Congratulations Benjamin Morgan what an honour indeed!
Communications Specialist (External) at Black Diamond Group
4 个月What a wonderful honour, Benjamin. Congratulations, and great job doing the good work you do in the community.