Anitopisi Learning Circles
Anitopisi Learning Circles are a space to gather with Indigenous and non-Indigneous people to learn about, and engage with, processes of reconciliation. We will sit in circle with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and engage with ways of knowing and being that will help us move forward in good ways together. There will be four circles that take place monthly over the winter and spring. The topics are protocols, language, land and reciprocity. Whether you're brand new to ideas around reconciliation, you're ready to get started, or you've been walking this road for a long time, these circles are for you.
Upcoming Circles
Learning Circle 4 - Land with Matóómiikaamó’sitsaakii (First Steals Woman)
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 - 3:00 to 5:00PM
Song Sparrow Picnic Site, North Glenmore Park (N Glenmore Park Rd, Calgary, AB T0L 1W0)
Our final Learning Circle on Land will be incredibly special. We will be out learning on the land now that the weather is finally warming with an exciting guest.
This current program grew out of a previous initiative in the Studio called the Anitopisi Indigenous Leadership program. The person who developed and led the original Anitopisi was Matóómiikaamó’sitsaakii (First Steals Woman), or Latasha Calf Robe. I (Zoë) had the privilege of participating in the first Anitopisi, and my mind was blown open every week by Latasha's teachings. I am so thrilled that Latasha has agreed to share her teachings with all of you for our learning circle on Land, and the program comes full circle.
The topic of Land is central to engage with for anyone on the reconciliation journey or interested in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. For myself as a Settler, I find there is much to be unpacked about my historically non-reciprocal ways of relating to the land, and much to be learned about the incredibly intricate and refined systems of knowledge in relating to land that Indigenous peoples have traditionally maintained. We will talk about this and more together on the land at North Glenmore Park.
Matóómiikaamó’sitsaakii is a member of Kainai First Nation, is a water protector, author, and is participating in a unique Masters of Education program called Niitsitapiisinni: Real Peoples' Way of Life. She is also the Project Manager for Indigenous Engagement in the One Child Every Child initiative out of the University of Calgary, and is a proud mother of three. If you’re curious to learn more about Latasha, you can listen to her share some of her biggest passions around motherhood and advocacy on this podcast episode: https://storieswithinus.buzzsprout.com/1365730/9395857
*****NOTE: weather permitting we will meet in North Glenmore Park at the Song Sparrow Picnic Site. Park in Parking Area I and then it’s just up and to your right. Dress warmly and bring a camp chair if you have one. Only if the weather is terrible will we bump back to the Studio.
Previous Circles
Learning Circle 1 - Protocol with Dion Simon
Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 - 3:00 to 4:30PM
Trico Changemakers Studio, Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University
Our first circle is on the topic of protocols. Dion Simon, the Medicine Trail Coordinator of MRU's Iniskim Center, will help us dynamically engage with some of the most important protocols to observe when building relationships with Indigenous people. We will learn things like how to approach an Elder in an appropriate way, some traditional ways of smudging, how to offer tobacco, and more. We will also learn some teachings around why observing protocols matter, and that protocols are more a part of your everyday life than you might think! If you have ever wondered how to start building relationships with Indigenous people, or if you want to learn more about the vast world of protocols, this circle will have many layers to engage with.
You can watch a video about Dion here.
You can read more about Dion and MRU’s Iniskim Center here.
Learning Circle 2 - Language with Tsuut'ina Elder Dr. Bruce Starlight
Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 - 3:00 to 4:30PM
Trico Changemakers Studio, Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University
Our second Learning Circle will be on the topic of Language. Tsuut'ina Elder Dr. Bruce Starlight will be sharing with us his journey in helping to save and revitalize the Tsuuti'ina/dene language. After working with the University of Calgary to address concerns of the Tsuut'ina language dying out, Bruce Starlight founded the Gunaha language institute in 2008, which now works with schools and individuals across the Tsuut'ina nation and beyond. We will hear Bruce's incredible story, and what it is like for him to be one of the last fluent language speakers of Tsuut'ina. We'll talk about the connection between language and culture, the significance of language, and what each of us can do to be cultural allies in keeping Indigenous languages alive. Most exciting, we will get a chance to learn some basics of the Tsuut’ina language, so we can all play a small part in carrying the language forward.
Learn more about the Gunaha Institute.
Article about Dr. Bruce Starlight and the Calgary Stampede.
Dr. Bruce starlight received an honourary doctorate degree at MRU.
Learning Circle 3 - Reciprocity with Elder Roy Bear Chief and Elder Hayden Melting Tallow
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 - 3:00 to 4:30PM
Trico Changemakers Studio, Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University
Our third learning circle will be on a biiiig topic. We will be diving into Reciprocity, and what that means from a Blackfoot perspective, with a couple of wonderful Elders-in-Residence here at Mount Royal University. Elder Roy Bearchief has an honourary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Calgary, as well as a Master's in Social Work. He has been a Tribal Manager for Siksika Nation, and currently works at Mount Royal University as an Espoom Tah (helper) in the department of Health, Community and Education. Excitingly, Roy has a very special story to share about our name, "Anitopisi", and what it means. Elder Hayden Melting Tallow is the elder-in-residence for Bisett School of Business. He is from Siksika nation, is a fluent language speaker, and has worked in Calgary for over 30 years in education, children's services and as a cultural advisor.
Reciprocity is a value that I (your host, Zoë, who is a non-Indigenous settler) perceive as underlying many Indigenous paradigms. Many Indigenous cultures center reciprocity and relationality, which can clash with colonial paradigms of hierarchies and competition. I believe it is crucial to learn about reciprocity from an Indigenous lens in order to engage in reconciliation efforts. It is a vast topic that would take life times to fully unpack. However, this will be an exciting glimpse into how two Blackfoot elders view reciprocity.
An article about Elder Roy Bear Chief passing the Elder-in-Residence role at the Bissett School of Business to his friend, Elder Hayden Melting Tallow.
https://www.tricochangemakersstudio.ca/stories/two-blackfoot-elders-circle-of-hope
An article about the human web Elder Roy Bear Chief created during MRU's Journey to Indigenization last September: https://www.mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRoyal/MediaRoom/Stories/2023/09/human-spiderweb-spreads-interconnectedness.htm