Tipi Training offers deep dive into Indigenous history

University of Calgary employees earned Enterprise Learning Management (ELM) credits by completing a Tipi Training workshop provided by the Office of Indigenous Engagement (OIE).

The workshop presented an opportunity for diverse campus community members to deepen their knowledge of Indigenous history, understand the cultural significance of land and build relationships with one another.

Two ii' taa'poh'to'p tipis, named after UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, were supplied by the OIE as their stewards. Both tipis included a design created and gifted to the OIE by Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe in June 2018.

"The tipi represents the ethical space for the [Indigenous] Strategy and is a place to build relatives," says Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, a ceremonial leader and cultural adviser to UCalgary.

Facilitated by Treaty 7 Traditional Knowledge Keepers, the Tipi Training program included step-by-step instruction on how to set up and take down tipis in addition to protocols and best practices for tipi care. Cultural teachings took place inside the tipi about the significance and history of these sacred lodges.

As part of tipi protocols, workshop participants had the opportunity to nourish themselves through smudge (prayer), enjoy traditional tea, and snack on bannock. The goal of the program is to foster an ethical space for dialogue by creating a safe place to share ideas that help steer the process of transformation and renewal.

The Tipi Training workshop is mandatory for campus community members who plan on using tipis, including setting them up and taking them down. Successful completion of the workshop will qualify participants to set up their own events with approval and collaboration of OIE.