E67: Celebrate Stone Pipe Days – Sharing knowledge to preserve culture

Stone Pipe Days is a four-day event recognizing the pride, history, and culture of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) community here at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Jordan Head, Indigenous Cultural Advisor, is a key organizer for this year's Stone Pipe Days, and he joins us to share all about this special event.

Jordan outlines the agenda (opening ceremonies, meals, guest speakers, films, a traditional powwow), and he expands on the meaningful partnership Stone Pipe Days represents between the Blackfoot people and the polytechnic. He also shares a piece of his personal journey, including how his family inspired and guided him toward education – which eventually led him full circle back to Lethbridge Polytechnic.

During the show, Jordan and Donna (host) mention:

• Stone Pipe Days (March 24 – March 28, 2025): 
  • Event schedule: Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan (Stone Pipe Days) 
• Movies/media:
  • 500 Days in the Wild 
  • Bones of Crows 
  • E65: A'paitsitapisksinimaattsaa (Weasel People Education) – Revitalizing Blackfoot language and culture through land-based learning 
• Blackfoot Confederacy (Niitsitapi peoples): 
  • Siksika (Blackfoot) 
  • Kainai (Blood) 
    • Kana (and A'kana) – Many chiefs or many leaders 
  • Piikani (Peigan) 
  • South Peigan 
• Notable works and how-tos: 
  • A Contemporary Winter Count by Kerry M. Scott 
  • Powwow Dances 
  • How to take part in a round dance 
• Organizations/institutions: 
  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation 
  • Alberta Health Services 
  • Treaty 7 Tribal Council 
  • Assembly of First Nations 
  • Indigenous and Northern Affairs 
  • U of L (University of Lethbridge) 
  • U of A (University of Alberta) 
  • Lethbridge Polytechnic: 
    • Val Matteotti Gym 
    • The Cave 
    • Business Administration Program 
• People, history, locations: 
  • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act 
  • Indian Agents in Canada 
  • Indian Act 
  • Treaty 7 
  • Dunbow Residential School
  • Old Man River 
  • St. Mary’s Reservoir 
  • Trans Canada Trail 
  • Jim Bennett 
  • Troy Knowlton 
  • Travis Plaited Hair