Four tipis will soon be ready for use in Indigenous education at CFB Shilo.

The tipis were acquired in late 2022 from Corinne and John Belanger from Cree Star Gifts, but had to receive its initial teachings before they can be used for future events and activities.

These teachings will be conducted adjacent to L25 May 18, with a sacred fire and a pipe ceremony.

After this initial ceremony, the tipis can be used for the activities planned for the four-day CFB Shilo’s Indigenous Awareness Week starting May 23.

There will be a tipi raising competition and education on Indigenous culture, such as moccasin games and the meaning of ribbon skirts. The week of activities will end with dancing and a feast.

All activities will be open to the public.

The tipi represents more than just shelter from the elements. It is home, safety, community and a dwelling. All parts of a tipi have meaning.

For example, the circular shape embodies the earth and the Mother; the lodge cover represents the sky. The poles connect the earth to the sky and provide trails along which the peoples’ prayers might reach the heavens. The opening faces east to honour the rising sun and away from the prevailing winds.

 

 

The Defence Team celebrates Indigenous Awareness Week (IAW) during the third week of May.

First introduced in 1992, the event has evolved into an opportunity to honour the many Indigenous cultures in Canada. The DND/CAF leadership has designated IAW as one of the four Employment Equity commemorative events to be held each year.

This year’s theme, as selected by the National Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) is “Reconciliation is a path walked together.”

IAW activities for CFB Shilo run all week, starting May 23. All activities are open to everyone in the community and everyone is encouraged to attend and learn more about the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

All activities will take place at or near L25, behind CANEX.

Mark these dates, and times, on your daily planner at home, or work, so you won’t miss the activities planned for the three-day event.

 

 

Flag raising of Treaty 1 flag 9 a.m.

0945 – Tipi raising competition – four teams will see who can raise their tipi best/fastest. Minimum of five people per team. Starts at 9:45 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. (approximate) – EOP

 

 

Flag raising of Metis flag 9 a.m.

Education sessions run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Conducted by Indigenous members of the CAF/DND. Learn more about key aspects of their Indigenous culture:

• Meaning/history of Moccasin Games

• Meaning/history of Ribbon Skirts

• Meaning/history of the Metis sash

• Importance of Haida artwork

 

 

Flag raising  of Inuit flag 9 a.m.

Education sessions run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Conducted by Indigenous members of the CAF/DND. Learn more about key aspects of their Indigenous culture:

• Meaning/history of Moccasin Games

• Meaning/history of Ribbon Skirts

• Meaning/history of the Metis sash

• Importance of Haida artwork

 

 

Flag raising of the DIAG flag 9 a.m.

Indigenous dancers and singers to perform 9:30 a.m.

Feast with traditional foods 11:15 a.m.