Did you know that around 70 percent of drugstore products either stem from or are inspired by Aboriginal knowledge? Or that many pre-contact cities in North America were larger than their European counterparts of the time? These are just a few of the lesser-known truths Dr. Linda Manyguns has been sharing during her presentations at the Cochrane Public Library as part of a limited series on Indigenous education.
Dr. Manyguns, a proud Blackfoot woman born on the Tsuut’ina Nation and registered at Siksika, is a grandmother of nine and a deeply respected scholar. Her academic résumé includes four degrees: a BA and MA in sociology, an LLB from the University of Ottawa, and a PhD in Indigenous philosophy from Trent University.
“I overdo everything it seems,” she joked. “I've taught every single type of course that exists in Native Studies.”
With over 14 years of experience teaching at institutions like Mount Royal University and the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Manyguns has dedicated her career to applying and preserving traditional Indigenous knowledge.
“I'm an educator,” she said. “The wonderful thing that you can do is share information to help people grow. I take advantage of whatever opportunities I can find.”
One of those opportunities led her to the Cochrane Public Library through a former student. Since June, with support from the Government of Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program, the library has hosted ‘A Turning Tide,’ a monthly discussion series led by Dr. Manyguns on Indigenous history, knowledge, and resilience.
“We’re just very fortunate that people think of the library in this way and know that we’re here to provide these free opportunities,” said Carmen Erison, Program and Engagement Manager for the Cochrane Public Library. “We were fortunate to be introduced to Dr. Manyguns and to hear about the knowledge she brings to this series.”
Despite a 12-person capacity in the library’s boardroom, attendance has exceeded expectations.
“The room was full last time,” said Manyguns. “There were even more people than registered: older people, younger people, master’s students, and others interested in education.”
Her upcoming talk will take place on Friday, August 8. The discussion will focus on the years between 1860 and 1900, a period of enormous upheaval in Indigenous communities. Topics include population decline, agricultural transitions, and the impact of treaty signings that redefined the landscape and lives of Indigenous peoples.
“I'm actually working with the War Museum on that period,” she noted. “In Alberta, the railway was being built, buffalo were being wiped out, gold rushes were happening in Montana and the Yukon, Calgary was becoming a military base all while the border was being drawn and treaties were being drafted. It was a whirlwind of change.”
Through storytelling, facts, and open discussion, ‘A Turning Tide’ offers an engaging and often eye-opening space to learn and reflect. Topics range from historical events to personal experiences and address stereotypes and systemic misunderstandings.
“Last time we were talking about quite sensitive things like the myth that Indigenous people get everything for free,” she said. “I explore these ideas and share what I know. It gets quite interactive.”
Dr. Manyguns remains optimistic about the future of Indigenous communities in Canada.
“We’ve experienced a great deal and yet we’ve survived and even contributed,” she said. “The Blackfoot Confederacy is extremely strong. Once we get past the damage from residential schools, and with newer generations growing up healthier, we’ll see real change, there’s no doubt about that.”
'A Turning Tide' is a limited series that will continue until October 2025. To learn more or register, visit: A Turning Tide – Cochrane Public Library
