Get educated this fall with these virtual classes

Check out these online workshops to learn traditional practices from the safety of your home.

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Sovereignty

With the ongoing pandemic, many events are shifting online. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep busy while learning something new this fall, check out these five upcoming events. 

1. Moose teachings

Indigenious Climate Action, Keepers of the Water, Indigenous Knowledge Wisdom Center, and Kaniyasihk Culture Camps are hosting an online webinar on Indigenous moose teaching. 

The session date will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m live on Facebook. 

Jeff Wastesicoot and Kvein Lewis will teach about moose and Indignenous hunting practices. 

This webinar is open to all non-Indigenous and Indigenous Peoples of any community. 

2. Indigenous gardening 

Native Americans for Community Action Inc. (NACA) is inviting you to join their online lesson on Indigenous gardening.

This workshop is to help guide Indigenous learners to understand insights on food sustainability and Indigenous agriculture. This workshop will feature Kia Begay, a youth gardener from NACA’s Lasting Indigenous Family Enrichment Program. 

This event is open all, click the zoom link here, no registration needed. The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2020 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Classes are ongoing, and all proceeds from ticket sales will go toward free, accessible programming for Black, Indigenous and racialized women and gender-diverse youth.

3. Stick games workshop

The Penticton Indian Band Natural Resources Department is hosting an online introduction to stick games, Indigenoous traditional gambling game.  

All participants will learn how to play stick games and sing songs. The workshop is free to join  for all Penticton Indian Band members and a basic stick games set can be provided and dropped off at your home if needed.

The session will be held on Friday, Oct 23, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone, using this link.

4. Virtual Four Food Chiefs gathering 

The Okanagan Nations Alliance is hosting online gatherings to celebrate the Four Food Chiefs.

From Oct. 26-29, they will be offering online teaching about connecting to the land, water and self-care tips.  

Each day will be focused on one of the four food chiefs. 

Day 1 – Chief skmxist (Black Bear) – Traditions, protocols, culture, thinking

Day 2 – Chief spitlum (Bitterroot) – Relationships, interconnectedness, nuture, compassion

Day 3 – Chief siya (Saskatoon Berry) – Innovation, creativity, no barriers

Day 4 – Chief ntityix (Salmon) – Action, focuses, timely

This event is open to all Syilx Okanagan Nation members. You can register here.

5. Indigenous practices in child welfare

Cindy Blacklstock is hosting a virtual presentation, Thinking Outside the Box- Indigenous Practices in Child Welfare. 

Blackstock will be teaching the new child welfare legislation and how it may influence our children and families, as well as how to navigate the pitfalls that other Nations have faced in regards to short term and non-existent funding.

This free event is taking place Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can register here. 

Author

Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

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