Raising a traditional teepee at Glenbow Elementary School last Friday was a huge step toward improving the understanding of First Nations people, according to a Stoney Nakoda elder.
“Today is important because cultures are coming together because we need to understand each other,” said Virgil Stephens, who was helping build the teepee.
In between teachers axing off knots on the wooden poles and the 600 plus students playing traditional First Nations games on the field, the traditional pipe carrier said he felt good about being able to raise the teepee (tipi in the Stoney language) on the school grounds.
“I’ve been working for the last couple of years to get it going,” Stephens said.
“And I’ve been praying for people to come together and work together.”
The teepee showcased weeks of work, as band members and students harvested the trees, shaped the trees into poles and sewed the canvas together.
“We are hoping to get a better understanding and connection with the kids to understand the culture,” explained elder Phillomene Stevens, who helped sew the canvas.
“It’s been hands-on right from the start … and I love it and the kids are enjoying it.”
After obtaining a permit from the Town of Cochrane to raise the teepee, the traditional house structure is scheduled to stay from June 2 to 16 on the Glenbow School grounds with plans to transfer it to the Glenbow Ranch for the fall.
Principal Brendan Trinca said once the teepee is moved, staff at the school will incorporate traditional and cultural learning with field trips to the Ranch. School staff members are also in discussions with Stoney Nakoda elders to include guest speakers for the traditional learning.
“I’m so glad we are here today – Cochrane used to be neighbours but we’ve gotten distant over the years. Now we are trying to get it back,” Stevens said.
