Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI – Day two recap
Lethbridge, AB – The 11th Annual Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p – Blackfoot Language Symposium held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre, concluded on October 17, 2023. The symposium heard from Blackfoot language speakers, elders, scholars, community members, and proponents of Indigenous language preservation and revitalization.
The second day of the Blackfoot Language Symposium activities began with a presentation on the Blackfoot Signage Project from Arnold Fox, Director of the Blood Tribe Social Development department. Local organizations and the Kainai Nation are set to launch the Southwest Alberta Blackfoot Signage Project and is intended to present Blackfoot names and history of significant sites and Southern Alberta settlements.
Caroline Russell, instructor for the Indigenous Studies Faculty at the University of Lethbridge, briefly shared the Indigenous language revitalization initiatives the University of Lethbridge is taking. Alex Smith, graduate student at the Indigenous Studies Faculty of the University of Lethbridge shared her work on language revitalization using technology.
Dr. Genevieve Fox, Education Director at the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council shared the Niitsipowahsin Strategy Site Tour 2023 which covered historical Blackfoot sites such as Marias Massacre site, Bear Gulch, Big Horn Medicine Wheel, and the Cody, Wyoming Museum. Dr. Fox’s presentation had support from Siksika Board of Education culture and language teacher, Verna Weasel Child and Blackfeet Tribe youth participant, Kaysen McNeely.
Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee elders led the last session of the afternoon with reviewing and coining new phrases/words in the Blackfoot language. The session had support from elders and Blackfoot language speakers in attendance at the symposium.
Full videos will be shared on the bloodtribe.org website and social media platforms when available.
Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
Arnold Fox, Blood Tribe Social Development Director and event MC at the Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
Caroline Russell, UofL Indigenous Studies instructor and Alex Smith, Graduate Student of the UofL Indigenous Studies Faculty presenting at the Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
Kaysen KcNeely, Blackfeet youth participant and Dr. Genevieve Fox, Education Director at the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council presenting at the Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
Verna Weasel Child, Siksika Board of Education culture and language instructor presenting at the Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
Aitsi’poyiiksi elders panel leading the coining new Blackfoot phrases/words at the Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
Blood Tribe elders Pauline White Grass and Diana Plume leading the ‘Thank You Dance’ at the Aitsi’poyiiksi Committee Niitsi’powahsini Aokakiopaato’p XI Blackfoot Language Symposium XI held at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre on October 17, 2023. (Photo: Blaire Russell)
