The Kainai Chief, Honour Chiefs, and Council, before grand entry. Photo by William L. Baliko
The Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association is holding a 3 day summit, from June 3rd to 5th at the Kainai High School. The event is 3 days of inspiring presentations and networking opportunities with Blackfoot environmental leaders and advocates.
The first day kicks off with a Pipe Ceremony and an Elder Prayer, followed by an honour song. There will be school presentations from the local middle school, followed by some traditional games around noon. Afterwards, a few presentations are on the docket, one for the Blackfeet Community College, one about buffalo, one about grizzly bears, and closing comments.
The second day will take place at the Belly River Campground, and features several self guided learning opportunities for attendees. Two optional field trips are available, one of which heads to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, and the other is a trip to the Piikani buffalo herd and historical grave location. The day finished with a Tipi Transfer Ceremony, where no pictures or videos will be permitted. There will be a meal for the first 150 guests after the ceremony.
The last day offers breakfast for the first 150 guests, and features more presentations on the Cultural Keystone Species. The animals on the docket are the bees, beavers, horses, loon, and the water. The day finishes with closing remarks, and live entertainment in the form of singers and drummers.
We spoke with Shannon Frank, Chief Executive Officer with the Oldman Watershed Council about the event.
We asked Shannon about the inclusion of student-led presentations.
Shannon told us all about what she’s looking forward to during the KEPA Summit.
More details can be found on our events page.
Comments