The Town of Okotoks hosted three painting sessions last week that gave locals an opportunity to leave their handprints on the inside walls of a traditional Blackfoot tipi.
Painting of the tipi has been underway for months but the Town set three dates aside — March 16, 17 and 18 — at Foothills Centennial Centre where community members had the chance to add their mark.
“It is integral that we have the community involved in the tipi transfer ceremony and the painting of the inside walls,” said Mayor Tanya Thorn. “This is such a significant act of reconciliation for the Town and we want to involve as many residents as possible.”
The Town of Okotoks will be taking part in a special ceremony this spring as part of its commitment to reconciliation.
On June 3, the Town is being honoured with the transfer of a traditional Blackfoot tipi. This tipi will be transferred to Thorn, on behalf of the Town of Okotoks, by four Blackfoot elders. These elders are from the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Southern Piikuni Nations, which make up the Blackfoot Confederacy.
In a press release, the Town said the tipi transfer is a symbol of its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous people.
