In the spirit of sharing knowledge and reconciliation, Astokomii Smith the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Summer Indigenous Liaison Student and Kanakii Mekaisto, Knowledge Keeper from Siksika Nation, were recognized by Strathmore council for their efforts.

The two were recognized during the September 19 meeting of town council and gave an update on their efforts in the community so far.

Deputy Mayor Lorraine Bauer presented the two with a token of appreciation from the community.

“We are grateful to begin this process of healing and reconciliation between our communities,”said Bauer.

“Kanakii, as a respected Knowledge Keeper with the Siksika Nation, your work with our community this summer was of great value and benefit. Your willingness to help our community gain understanding and awareness brought us to the first steps we will take on this reconciliation journey,” said Bauer.

“Astokomii, we heard so many good things about your input and enthusiasm within our organization. Thank you for giving freely of yourself, your youthful wisdom and for sharing your Siksika family. You are a trail blazer and Strathmore is very grateful for all that you have done,” she said.

It was also revealed that in the future there may be plans to translate items like resource books into Blackfoot to help revitalize the language.

Within the program, Smith explained that she was able to share parts of the Blackfoot culture with children at the Youthclub of Strathmore, with the introduction of traditional dancers, and explanations of the meaning of their regalia.

She has also participated during the town’s sponsored Night Markets by providing traditional foods like fried bread.

“My hope with that is to instill that knowledge at a young age. To know about our culture,” Smith said.

She also participated in the Mother Goose Program at the library, by also supporting indigenous authors and creating miniature teepees.

In terms of Alberta Culture Days, Smith was able to help find indigenous artists and food vendors for the celebration. “In that way we are creating a relationship between Siksika and the Town of Strathmore and also supporting the people from Siksika,” said Smith.

“I was asked to help in sharing some of the knowledge that was transferred to me,” said Mekaisto, who revealed that on September 22 it will be the anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7, which was signed on September 22, 1877.

Mekaisto, who is a survivor of the Residential School System, also informed council of Orange Shirt Day which is a national initiative to remember the impact of the Residential School System.

The day was started after six-year-old Phyllis Webstad was sent to a residential school and her orange shirt, that her grandmother had bought her specifically for going to school, was taken away from her.

In her own words Webstad said, ‘The colour orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt. Like I was worth nothing.'

“Every child matters,” said Smith.