Next Monday you can seize an opportunity to meet with your neighbours and local Indigenous elders for a story and teachings session at Kinsmen Park. Strathmore FCSS will hosting their first ever Bannock and Tea event featuring Darlene Yellow Old Woman and Eileen Black.

This is a chance to eat traditional foods, enjoy the outdoors and connect with local Indigenous elders.

The first event will be held on July 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the small pavilion located behind the Kinsmen Park Amphitheatre.

“It’s an opportunity for people in the community to connect with an Indigenous elder and for us to build a stronger relationship with indigenous people,” Astokomii Smith, Town of Strathmore Indigenous Liaison explained.

“I know that there are some indigenous people who live in town who may not be able to get in touch with an elder because they can't go to the reserve, or for whichever reason,” she said She noted that the plan is for FCSS to host a few similar events in a series.

She explained that it wouldn’t be a formally scheduled meeting, it will be a chance for people to ask questions and have meaningful conversations.

“We want people to be able to ask or talk about anything they want,” she said.

Smith says the project has been in the works for some times, but had been placed on the back burner because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But she’s now looking forward to it.

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