Okotokians gathered around a fire for some powerful storytelling.
Elder Shirlee Crow Shoe, whose Blackfoot name is Misamiinisikim or Ancient Buffalo Stone, shared some of her knowledge with listeners during Fireside Stories in Ethel Tucker Centennial Park on July 19.
"Just like the majority of all First Nations... we're an oral-speaking community, and our history, our past, everything that is sacred to us is passed through story, through song, venue, language, action," said Desmond Jackson, Indigenous relations advisor with the Town of Okotoks, which hosted the event.
The reconciliation-focused event follows multiple others that have taken place over the last few months, such as the Town of Okotoks' first-ever Tipi Camp from May 31 to June 2.
"We have events all the time that have an Indigenous lens, and this is one of many," said Jackson.
"This is just a good opportunity for non-Indigenous people, Indigenous people, people that are Indigenous that are not from this territory to come and just experience Blackfoot culture, to listen and learn and ask questions, and it's a platform for our Indigenous people to share knowledge."
Crow Shoe has made an impact in Okotoks before — in 2022, she put forward the name of Iitopatopa Park, meaning "a place where we return often."
