When I was asked to create a piece of art for a land declaration, I immediately thought “What connects me to the land?” I chose a night scene because it represents the end of the day, as well as the beginning of a new one. It is about renewal, when one thing ends, another begins. The Full Moon represents rejuvenation and bringing light to the darkness. The Northern Lights represent a connection to our ancestors, they dance in the lights and bestow their blessings and prayers upon us.
The feathers represent my personal, stylized version of Eagle feathers. Eagle feathers are considered one of the greatest honours to receive. They are a gift from the sky, from Grandfather Eagle, and from the Creator. They symbolize strength, wisdom, and trust. The elder and child portray the passing on of knowledge, culture, tradition, and responsibility. The tipi is the foundation of the family and the community. It also connects the land to the sky.
I have always been drawn to Ribbon Trees and their meaning. Ribbon Trees are deeply personal and may have several cultural meanings depending on the ceremony, the colour of the prints, and the blessings being asked for. The prints are tied to trees after ceremonies, usually to the East of the ceremony site. These prints are very spiritual because they represent the prayers, hopes, and aspirations of the participants. As the prints weather and disintegrate, the energy infused into the prints is sent to the Creator.
I am very honoured to be given this opportunity to share part of my culture with others.
Clearview Public School Division is honoured to be on the traditional meeting grounds, gathering places, and travelling routes of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for time immemorial.
We are on Treaty 6, the traditional territories of the Cree, Saulteaux (So-toe), Blackfoot, Dene (De-nay) & Nakota Sioux (Sue) and Treaty 7, the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, including Siksika (Sick-sick-ah), Piikani (Pee-can-ee), and Kainai (Kigh-a-nigh), the Tsuut’ina (Soot- ina) Nation, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations.
Clearview schools are part of the Battle River Territory with the Métis Nation of Alberta.
We give thanks to and are grateful for the Elders and traditional knowledge keepers who are still with us today and those who have gone before. We express gratitude and respect for the land we teach and learn upon. We pledge to do our part to end systemic racism, and commit to partnering with Indigenous peoples, as a school division, in order to advance truth and reconciliation.
Rupertsland Institute Métis Centre of Excellence
Learn more about Rupertsland Institute at Rupertsland.org