Elders Teaching Series

Rod Scout: Kiipaitapiiyssinnooni (our way of life).

October 19, 2023 
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

Rod will be sharing the Blackfoot worldview and explain the connections and importance of language, environment of living in harmony. He also will help people understand about cultural protocol and who is considered an “Elder".

About Rod Scout: 

Rod Scout is from Siksika Nation and is a ceremonialist for the sacred societies of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy). Rod’s first language was Siksikaitsipowahsin (Blackfoot Language) and to this day continues to be a fluent Blackfoot speaker. He was raised by his grandparents (Kipitai’pokaa; old peoples child) who provided him with a very strong cultural and language foundation, as they were Elders for the sacred societies and bundles. Rod is a language and cultural consultant for many institutions, including Yale, Berkley, the University of Montana, Blackfeet Community College, University of Lethbridge and SAIT Polytechnic. Rod is currently featured on APTN’s the Secret History of the Wild West and is involved in other film and media projects.  

Rod has travelled extensively on the powwow trail as a Mens Grass Dancer and is a founding member of the award -winning drum group Blackfoot Crossing. He enjoys sharing his gift of song and dance and has performed for the Dalai Lama and the Royal Family, including the late Queen Elizabeth.  

Rod is a retired police officer having served 30 years in law enforcement in various capacities. He is now an Elder for the Aboriginal Court and provides guidance to many groups such as the Elizabeth Fry Society, Calgary Arts Foundations, Calgary Parks and Recreation and more.   

Rod has been married to his beautiful wife Cindy Daniels from Stoney Nakoda for 45 years and shares that, “first and foremost – I am a grandparent and family and culture mean a lot to me.” Rod is passionate about teaching the Blackfoot language and worldview with others.  

John Crier: Ceremony Practice Identified as Spiritual Way of Life.

November 8, 2023 
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

About John Crier: 

John Crier is a Cree Elder from Samson Cree Nation of Maskwacis, Alberta in Treaty 6 Territory. He is a fluent Cree language speaker, traditional knowledge holder, traditional knowledge keeper and ceremonialist. John spends much of his time working with individuals and groups to provide access and guidance to Indigenous knowledge, language, traditions, ceremony and land. John is passionate about studying, speaking and sharing the Cree language.  

John has offered cultural guidance and expertise to institutes including the University of Alberta, Maskwacis Cultural College and the University of Calgary. He currently sits as an Elder on the Indigenous Advisory Circle in the Office of the Provost at UCalgary, supporting the ii’taa’poh’to’p strategy.  

He is the founding member of Ohma Kakisimo Aski, Indigenous Shadow Healing, which guides Maskwacis members and beyond in personal spiritual healing, cultural reclamation and intercultural relationship building. John was the Elder in Residence for 12 years at the minimum-security correctional facility Pê Sakâstêw Centre in Maskwacis, mentoring men and women with traditional Indigenous knowledge. 

Anita Crowshoe: stories about Napi (Blackfoot Trickster)

December 7, 2023 
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (Online via Zoom)

About Anita Crowshoe: 

Anita Crowshoe (Sisti) is a registered band member of the Piikani Nation. Her parents are Reg and Rose Crowshoe, and her grandparents are the late Joseph and Josephine Crowshoe, and Julius and Elizabeth English. 

Sisti also holds numerous Indigenous transfers and in 2004, she was transferred “Napi and Buffalo” tipi at a Okan in Piikani territory. Prior to this transfer, Anita was recognized as the child of her father and mother's tipi transfer. She holds this honour in high esteem and takes great care to protect the process and protocols of this responsibility. As a transferred Tipi holder, Anita is proud to be active in ceremonies and community gatherings. 

Anita holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Montana Western. Her employment history ranges from dancing at the Fort in Fort MacLeod and being a greeter at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, to serving as a community constable for the RCMP. Anita has also been an Elementary school teacher and BNAS teacher specialist on the Blackfeet Nation. Presently, she is the Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor for Heritage Park.