The Town of Okotoks set up its first-ever Tipi Camp from May 31 to June 2 as part of its commitment to reconciliation.
The camp, following last year's transfer of a tipi from Blackfoot elders to Mayor Tanya Thorn on behalf of the Town of Okotoks, gave community members the opportunity to take part in meaningful conversations around Indigenous culture and reconciliation.
"What today was, was bringing together and running in parallel a Western system and an oral culture system from our Indigenous partners," said Thorn, who joined fellow Town councillors and staff for a special council meeting and pipe ceremony.
"It's the first time that we've ever done a meeting like that in a tipi in the town of Okotoks, so from my perspective, that is just a huge step for us."
Tipi Camp additionally featured evening fireside stories with Piikani First Nation traditional knowledge keepers Dr. Reg Crowshoe and Rosemary Crowshoe.
"It makes me really quite emotional actually," said Thorn as she discussed the fireside stories.
"I think creating an inclusive community requires us to take meaningful steps to see and honour the cultures that are here."
Tipi Camp was located outside the Okotoks Recreation Centre, inside of which was the returning Indigenous Artisan Market.
The events recognized National Indigenous People's History Month, which is commemorated in June.
"You'll see us continue to host an event like this every year... it's really about creating a space for Indigenous peoples in our community to feel seen, to feel celebrated, to feel valued in our community, and that is the intentional steps we'll continue to take," said Thorn.
