From storytelling and bannock, to crafting and a jigging and fiddling showcase, you won’t want to miss our celebration of Métis Week, Thusday, November 14th from 5-7 p.m. at the Stony Plain Family Connection Centre.

Learn about Métis history and culture at this free, family-friendly event. Details at https://www.canva.com/design/DAGQA8sg_HA/2tuO_GLGV6xlrH5Y--0qpQ/view

Please join us on Thursday, November 7th at the Family Connections Centre between 5:00 - 8:00 pm to celebrate International Inuit Day.
This is a holiday created to celebrate Inuit and amplify their voices, and Skydancer’s first all Inuit event!
We are proud to welcome Goota Desmarais and Inuksuk Mackay as cultural presenters for the evening, as well as Brenda Egotak to facilitate some Inuit Crafts!

Goota, who hails originally from Kinngait (Cape Dorset, NU) and Arctic Bay, NU, to introduce Inuit culture. During her presentation, she will use artifacts, artworks, images, and storytelling to share the different aspects of the culture. She will show clothing, ingenious technologies, and traditional Inuit games, as well as some Inuktitut words. She will be bringing a traditional tupiq as well as some traditional foods such as caribou, whalrus, narwal and more for those who are eager to try!

Born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories with roots in Nunavut’s Kivalliq Region,
Inuksuk grew up both on the land and in the city. The presence of such diverse extremes in her upbringing cultivated a unique esthetic that shows through in her art. Inuksuk is an Inuk writer, performer, and workshop facilitator. She will be bringing us traditional games, singing and drumming performances with her husband and sons.

Brenda Egotak is originally from Ulukhaktok, NWT. She has been sewing traditional crafts since she was very young. She will be demonstrating and facilitating the creation of an Inuit Happy Face Pin trimmed in real fur!

Please join us as we host this event to learn more!
Thank you!
This event is proudly made possible by the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) grant from the Government of Canada that provides funding to community-based events such as this.

Build a Drum...Create a Heartbeat!

Drum Making with Chris and Michelle Cunningham of Tri-Spirit Creations

Drums are used across many cultures

in ceremonies, prayer work, creating music, meditation, and so much more. This workshop is your opportunity to create your own drum, a sacred journey in connection to self.

The drums created in our workshop are as unique as you are. From the size, to the hide itself, no two drums are the same.

When you build a drum, you create a little piece of yourself, a tool that can assist you in connecting to your heartbeat, and the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The heartbeat represents rhythm, the rhythm of life, the flow in which we all live. For me, drums have been an essential tool in reminding me to find daily rhythm.

Chris and Michelle guide you along this sacred journey of building your drum. Two loving souls whose passion is to assist you, offering their insights and wisdom. They create an exceptional experience that is felt deep within your heart and soul. They guide each step of the way in creating your drum!

Chris is from Sucker Creek First Nation and has been a Master Drum Builder for 9 years he learned to build drums from his teacher (Okwaho Leblanc)  Lisa Tardiff from Eastern Malecite and Anishinaabe tribes, he also learned from  Annie Smith, a drum maker from BC coast and Will Mcleod also from BC.  Over the years Chris has also been guided by Treaty 8 Elders and drum makers.

Michelle has been supporting Chris’s dream of getting as many heart beats into the hands of those called to try spirit. Feeling the heartbeat of mother earth is so important in this day and age.  

For more information and to register, please click the following link:

https://forms.gle/6yeJn17spV878mqt5

We are hosting a Ribbon Skirt making workshop with Barb Scott on Saturday, November 2nd.

To register via email- please click on the following link :
https://forms.gle/Vd4iBZ6KaS94Vtuq7

Payment can be made via during registration via credit card, by e-transfer to admin@skydancerindigenous.com or in person at the Center by cash, debit or credit.

When: Saturday, November 2nd from 10a.m. - 3 p.m

Cost: $125.00, payable upon registration 

Bring your own lunch and snacks. 

What you need to know :

1. Fabrics, Ribbons (assorted), sewing machines and elastic will be provided  

2. Ribbon skirt teachings and instructions given by Indigenous teachers.

3. Smudging will be done before the workshop, and protocols followed.  

Payment is due upon confirmation of registration; prior to the start date of the class or your spot will not be held.

Please email us or give us a call at the center if you are interested in attending.

Thank you so much for your interest and continued support of our organization

This will be facilitated by Don Fales, a Sixties Scoop survivor who has overcome many challenges and would like to give back to his community.

This is a registered program that requires registration; please email Don directly at bremmaexteriors@hotmail.com

Join us as we gather with an Elder to share stories, learn their truths and be in a safe space. This is a monthly event.

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community. 

Date:
Thursday, October 17th

Time: Arrival and Welcome 5:30-6 p.m., circle will start at 6 p.m
Ages: All ages but suited for older children and adults.
Cost: Free
Location: Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre (99 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove)
Registration: Not required

This initiative is presented in partnership with Spruce Grove Community Social Development, Spruce Grove Public Library, and Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre.

https://www.sprucegrove.org/community/programs/community-social-development-programs/

Film followed by Introspective exercise and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation (in partnership with City of Spruce Grove and Horizon Stage)

Time and location TBA

Please join us as we welcome Natalie Pepin to Skydancer on September 28th for an introductory quilling class.

About Natalie: Taanishi! Dishinikawshon Natalie Pepin. I am a Metis woman in the Tawatinaw Valley in Alberta, Canada. I support indigenous people who are reclaiming their indigenous roots to connect with their culture through learning the traditional skills, arts, stories and teachings of our ancestors. I support indigenous people, who are severed from their traditions by legacy and trauma of colonization, who are discovering that their culture is beautiful. I teach indigenous arts workshops such as beading, moccasin making and brain tanning as a means of reconciliation and reconnection.

What you will learn in this workshop;

• How to prepare and select quills for plaiting or wrapping

• Materials used for traditional quill work 

• Flat quill work patterns

• Uses of quill plaiting

This 3 hour live class includes step by step instruction and materials.

This class will be limited to 12 participants, and will be taught by Natalie Pepin. 

To register, please use the following link https://forms.gle/WvjDP2KbzjJMDkC46

Contact us at (587) 400-8249 or admin@skydancerindigneous.com

Join us as we gather with an Elder to share stories, learn their truths and be in a safe space. This is a monthly event.

September’s Elder will be Dianne Meili.

This will be facilitated by Don Fales, a Sixties Scoop survivor who has overcome many challenges and would like to give back to his community.

This is a registered program that requires registration; please email Don directly at bremmaexteriors@hotmail.com

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community. 

Date:
Thursday, Sept 19th

Time: Arrival and Welcome 5:30-6 p.m., circle will start at 6 p.m
Ages: All ages but suited for older children and adults.
Cost: Free
Location: Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre (99 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove)
Registration: Not required

This initiative is presented in partnership with Spruce Grove Community Social Development, Spruce Grove Public Library, and Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre.

https://www.sprucegrove.org/community/programs/community-social-development-programs/

Please join us for a two-day festival where we come together to celebrate the rich history of our land. This festival will feature storytelling stages in both Spruce Grove and Stony Plain in the familiar settings of both Central Park and Shikaoi Park.

Joining us will be Wisakecahk Cree storytellers Sam Bull and Doris Collins, along with Inuk storyteller Brenda Egotak, Nakota Sioux Elder Daniel Kootenay and Author of the book Stories of Métis Women: Tales my Kookum Told Me, Bailey Oster.

Food and refreshments will be provided, while supplies last. These will be served in a limited time frame before the start of the festival, to avoid being disruptive during the speakers time.

Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and dress for the weather as this event will be outdoors.

Food and refreshments served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Brenda Egotak: 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Sam Bull and Doris Collins: 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Location: Central Park, 450 King St, Spruce Grove, AB

Why a storytelling festival?

Oral traditions are the backbone of Indigenous knowledge transfer and

storytelling is the method by which much is shared. Storytelling serves

to connect individuals and communities to their place and time as well

as each other. Stories are also used to teach history, cultural

etiquette, and spiritual beliefs.

Storytelling is an integral part of traditional Native education systems. Stories develop listening

skills, memory, and imagination, and they support social and emotional learning to develop the

whole child. Language loss was part of the systemic destruction or assimilation of Native

peoples.

Storytelling plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage by acting as a repository for

traditions, beliefs, values, and histories of societies. Passed down through generations, stories

encapsulate everyday life and cultural nuances that may not be documented in formal history.

Beyond engaging the brain, storytelling exerts powerful influences on our

thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

Please join us for a two-day festival where we come together to celebrate the rich history of our land. This festival will feature storytelling stages in both Spruce Grove and Stony Plain in the familiar settings of both Central Park and Shikaoi Park.

Joining us will be Wisakecahk Cree storytellers Sam Bull and Doris Collins, along with Inuk storyteller Brenda Egotak, Nakota Sioux Elder Daniel Kootenay and Author of the book Stories of Métis Women: Tales my Kookum Told Me, Bailey Oster.

Food and refreshments will be provided, while supplies last. These will be served in a limited time frame before the start of the festival, to avoid being disruptive during the speakers time.

Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and dress for the weather as this event will be outdoors.

Food and refreshments served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Daniel Kootenay: 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Bailey Oster: 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Location: Shikaoi Park, 4905 51 Ave, Stony Plain, AB

Why a storytelling festival?

Oral traditions are the backbone of Indigenous knowledge transfer and

storytelling is the method by which much is shared. Storytelling serves

to connect individuals and communities to their place and time as well

as each other. Stories are also used to teach history, cultural

etiquette, and spiritual beliefs.

Storytelling is an integral part of traditional Native education systems. Stories develop listening

skills, memory, and imagination, and they support social and emotional learning to develop the

whole child. Language loss was part of the systemic destruction or assimilation of Native

peoples.

Storytelling plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage by acting as a repository for

traditions, beliefs, values, and histories of societies. Passed down through generations, stories

encapsulate everyday life and cultural nuances that may not be documented in formal history.

Beyond engaging the brain, storytelling exerts powerful influences on our

thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

**REGISTRATION FULL**

MEDICINE WHEEL AND FULL MOON MASKIKI CIRCLES

 This is a 2-part session on Tuesday, July 23 and Monday, August 19 (full moon)

 Part one in July will be with Mosom James Jenka, where he will explain the Medicine Wheel as he understands it. There are many adaptations of the medicine wheel, but we will use James’. He will explain how the Medicine Wheel can be applied to our lives to obtain balance. We will look at the gifts of the four directions, the four races, the four parts of us – body, mind, spirit and emotions – and finally – the four medicines of western Canada.

This first event will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Then, in August, we will look deeper into these medicines in our circle with James Jenka and Mountain Offering Woman. We will discuss the uses of medicines of western Canada, including sage, cedar, sweetgrass and diamond willow fungus, as well as the first plant Creator gave to the People – tobacco. We will learn how to respect and find these medicines, pick them, dry them, care for them, and use them.

This second event will be held on Monday, August 19th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

There will be no cost for this program, pre-registration is encouraged.

Bannock and herbal tea will be served. 

Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs as we will be doing these teachings outdoors.

Please join Skydancer for our SECOND Moccasin Making workshop! Our instructor for this event is Tracy Bradley. Tracy Bradley is a multi-disciplinary artist, birth worker and director at Grow Centre. She is of Cree-Metis and European descent.  Tracy’s practice involves community building, investigation of traditional materials in contemporary styles, and revolves around creating and supporting opportunities for learning and sharing of traditional skills. Tracy teaches classes in her shop Nikawiy Handmade, out in the community and at her centre Grow Centre. She works primarily in hide, beads, sculpted wool, natural stones, fur, birch bark, textiles, acrylic, water colour, ink and oils. 

This workshop will be a two weekend, two part workshop on Saturday and Sunday August 10th and 11th and Saturday and Sunday August 17 and 18th; each day will run from 10:00 to 4:00 pm and will include time for lunch.

Classes will be held at Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre located at 99 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove.

Participants will have a lunch break during the program, however they are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. 

The cost is $175 per participant, due upon registration.

Participation in this program will not be guaranteed until payment is received. 

It will be required for participants to commit to both weekends as they will not be able to attend one without the other. We will begin each day with a traditional welcome, smudge and blessing of all materials provided.

This workshop is limited to 12 participants, as space is limited. Younger participants should have a parent with them to assist, however this is better geared towards those able to work on their own.

Cost will be $175 per participant and payment can be made via this form: https://forms.gle/MDzhf1XS4NXCWaAp8

CLASS LIST IS FULL - ONLY WAITLISTS AVAILABLE CURRENTLY

Join Skydancer on Saturday, July 13th from 10:00 to 1:00 pm for an Intro to Foraging in the Parkland forest region.

Join our guest teacher Genevieve Olivier to learn about common useful plants and mushrooms that grow right in your back yard. Genevieve is an artist and forager in Parkland County. She is an Anishinaabe/Ojibway woman residing in Parkland County with roots and teachings from her home community of Fort William First Nation, in Thunder Bay Ontario. All of the information shared is in the spirit of land-based teaching that promotes learning about what is around us, taking only what we need, and giving thanks for our harvest.

There will be a printed handout of a variety of local plants and fungi packet for each participant. Everyone will gather and have a short discussion on what we may be able to find that is in the foraging packet.
We will walk together and discuss what we are seeing. Small groups and solo walkers can then head out to see what they find.
We will return and lay out what we have found and give the group an opportunity to see in person what can be found in our own backyards. We will end with a sharing of snacks circle and some hot foraged tea.
This is a beginner level and low impact, slow walk on mostly flat or small incline terrain.

Opening smudge will be at 10:15am firm before beginning.

To register please email: admin@skydancerindigenous.com

There is no registration cost for this program but pre-registration is required.

Join us as we gather with an Elder to share stories, learn their truths and be in a safe space. This is a monthly event.

Please join us as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and our one year anniversary on June 21st.

We will be hosting this event at our centre located in Rotary Park in Spruce Grove, 99 Campsite Road.

The opening ceremony will be at 5:00 pm and the evening will wrap up at 9:00 pm. We will be having traditional fancy and jingle dress dancers, the Abraham Lake Singers, The Reds Metis Youth jiggers, and the evening will wrap up with a concert performance by Edmonton’s own Curt Young!

Curt uses traditional and modern styles of music and dance to share his life experiences and culture with audiences. His music is family-friendly, clap along fun, with storytelling, hand drumming and flute songs. His music touches on Indigenous events that will captive all listeners as every song is its own show. Bringing people together with music, dance, and storytelling has always been apart of our Truth and Reconciliation as Indigenous people.

Along with Curt, we will be welcoming back to our centre the Abraham Lake Singers group from Paul Band Nation. They were with us for our grand opening last year and we can’t wait to have them perform with us again.

We will be having a vendor market on site as well; there are no ATMs on site and we cannot guarantee they accept debit or credit. Please come prepared if you would like to shop.

There is no parking on site.

Please find parking in the North section of the Walmart parking lot OR feel free to take advantage of the Park and Ride Shuttles at the Tri Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove, AB located at 221 Jennifer Heil Way.

Shuttle Service will begin as of 4:15 pm and will continue until 9:30 pm.

NIPD Evening Schedule – Events Schedule

5:00 – Opening Ceremony to begin

5:45 – 6:00 – break

6:00 – 6:30 – Powwow Dancers and Abraham Lake Singers to perform dancing demonstrations

6:30 – 6:45 – break

6:45 – 7:15 – The Reds and Wildrose Fiddlers Association to perform jigging demonstration

7:15 – 7:30 – break

7:30 – 8:00 – Old Tyme Fiddle music and dancing – open to the public

8:00 – 8:15 – break

8:15 – 9:00 – Curt Young to perform, singing, drumming and flute playing.

9:00 – Event End

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community.

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a national day for connecting, learning, and sharing.

This will be a special Talking Circle with Elder Gordon Burnstick to stand against violence towards women and children and take a pledge to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life.

Date:
Thursday May 16, 2024
2024
Theme: Moose Hide Campaign "Taking a stand against violence towards women and children"
Time: Arrival and Welcome - 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Circle will start at 6:00 pm

Ages: All ages but suited for older children and adults.
Cost: Free

Location: Family Connections Centre - 5600 50 St, Stony Plain, AB
Registration: Not required

This initiative is presented in partnership with Spruce Grove Community Social Development, Spruce Grove Public Library, and Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre.

https://www.sprucegrove.org/community/programs/community-social-development-programs/

Please join Skydancer for our first Rattle Making workshop! Our instructor for this event is Andre Couillonneur, a member of the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation located in North West Saskatchewan, who now resides in Parkland County.

This workshop will be a two part workshop on Saturday, May 11th and May 25th; each day will run from 11:00 to 2:00 pm.

It will be required for participants to commit to both dates as they will not be able to attend one without the other and vice versa. We will begin each day with a traditional welcome, smudge and blessing of all materials, tools and the rattles. Andre will be your guide, instructing how to create your rattle step by step. He will share the history and stories of the rattle and their significance.

Day One - Sewing the Rattles, Filling with sand, allowing to dry over the week.

Day Two - Carving Sticks, Attach Rattle Heads & Completing Rattles. Smudge and Bless Rattles.

You are welcome to bring your own sticks, stones, seeds, ribbons, leather or additional items of significance to personalize and decorate your rattle.

This workshop is limited to 12 participants, and for ages 10 and up. Younger participants should have a parent with them to assist.

Cost will be $60 per participant and payment can be made at the centre, over the phone via credit card, or via e-transfer to admin@skydancerindigenous.com

Tickets can also be purchased for a small fee from https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/860991287117?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come join us for Powwow Practice! Learn basic steps to Traditional Powwow Dances with experienced dance instructor Mariah Dumont and special guest singers from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.

Mariah Dumont is a Dené Suiline/Cree woman residing in Edmonton whose roots are with the Cold Lake First Nations. Mariah is a powwow dancer and instructor who has been dancing since she was three years old. Mariah is passionate about her culture and ensuring that those who have been displaced or disconnected are able to find connection and belonging within the dancing community. Mariah is the co-founder of Kokum’s Kloset which is a free program that offers children, youth and adults access to regalia to participate in powwows ensuring that Indigenous people are fully able to experience powwow.

There will be free soup and bannock for the first 50 participants.

Date: Friday, May 10th
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Location: Prescott Learning Centre, 340 Pioneer Road Spruce Grove
Registration: Not required

This initiative is presented in partnership with Prescott Learning Centre, Cohesive Communites, and Women Building Futures.

Join us as we gather with an Elder to share stories, learn their truths and be in a safe space. This is a monthly event.

We are gathering at Chickakoo Lake to honour the sacredness of water, and to empower one another in our roles as water protectors. Our day includes water teachings with Dr. Darlene Auger, birch tapping with Megan Morin, mindfulness, and sharing space in circle around the fire.

Snacks, tea, coffee, and water provided. Washrooms on site. Dress for the weather. Bring a chair for the fire. There will about 100 meters of walking on a trail to the location.

Pre Registration is required; Space will be limited to 20 participants.

To register please contact Amy at 780-906-0725 or board@skydancerindigenous.com

Sunday, April 21, 2024 - 10am - 2pm

Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area, Parkland County

Meet in the lower parking lot.

Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Center, in partnership with the Beaded By Tiktalik, are hosting a Moccasin Keychain Workshop at the our Center on April 20th, 2024. This event will run from 11 am to 2 pm and will include teachings from Jaime Monds, a local Inuit artisan. She was taught by her mother, an Inuvialuit elder, how to sew traditional Inuit crafts.

Moccasins will be made with moose hide and beaver fur, and all materials will be provided.

This event is beginner friendly, supplies are provided, and the cost of participation is $50 per person. Everyone is welcome!

To register, please email or call Skydancer directly 587-400-8249 or admin@skydancerindigenous.com

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community. 

Date:
Wednesday, April 17 Theme: "Love for Mother Earth"

Time: Arrival and Welcome 5:30-6 p.m., circle will start at 6 p.m
Ages: All ages but suited for older children and adults.
Cost: Free
Location: Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre (99 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove)
Registration: Not required

This initiative is presented in partnership with Spruce Grove Community Social Development, Spruce Grove Public Library, and Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre.

https://www.sprucegrove.org/community/programs/community-social-development-programs/

We are hosting a Ribbon Skirt making workshop with Barb Scott on Saturday, April 13th.

To register - please send an email to admin@skydancerindigenous.com with the title “Ribbon Skirt” in the subject line so that it is received correctly.

Payment can be made via e-transfer to admin@skydancerindigenous.com or over the phone via credit card or in person at the Center by cash, debit or credit. 

When: Saturday, April 13th from 10a.m. - 4 p.m

Where: Family Connection Centre, 5600 50th St, Stony Plain. 

Cost: $125.00, payable upon registration 

Bring your own lunch and snacks. 

What you need to know :

1.  2-3 m of fabric of your choice, 100% cotton and pre-washed

   • Depending on participants size. 25" -35" waist 2.5 metres of fabric, 35"-45" waist up 3 metres. 

2. 1.5” Ribbons (assorted), sewing machines and elastic will be provided  

3. Ribbon skirt teachings and instructions given by Indigenous teachers.

4. Smudging will be done before the workshop, and protocols followed.  

Payment is due upon confirmation of registration; prior to the start date of the class or your spot will not be held. Please email us or give us a call at the center if you are interested in attending.

Thank you so much for your interest and continued support of our organization