Going to cultural and traditional events brings unity to people through a spritual connection to the past and the present. Our attitude towards people should be selfless. We participate as if we are at a family gathering. It is different from going to a rock concert, where we glorify someone singing to us. We attend cultural events for specific reasons, such as for honouring the passing of a seasonal event, Potlatches, Memorial Round Dances, Aboriginal youth gatherings, and Warriors against Violence Conferences. The purpose is to be kind to our fellow human beings, especially those whom we are honouring.

Photo Banner Above: The community is enjoying traditional hand games during the Keepers Of The Water Gathering in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.

Quick Links to Documentary Films on this page

• Prince Albert Grand Council Language Conference
• Keepers of the Water Conference
• Preserving Tl'azt'en Culture

We are always taught that whenever there is a drum dance or singing, the practice is spiritual. Music is meant for healing. It is meant to move us, to convey us to a different level. Like a bird, a chick-a-dee, that sings for us. Drums from time immemorial are made from animal skin, like a mother’s heart, this is why drums are so sacred. When I dance, I dance for my Creator. It is not about money or profit – it is about keeping the larger family together. We stay in a circle.

"Honour Songs” come to people for special occasions. The music connects people to both their spirit being and their mind being. They are inspired to compose Honour Songs through dreams, pot latches, pow wows, tea dances. There are Victory Songs, Wedding Songs, Sad Songs, there are songs for every occasion.

Music connects us – it does something to us. I don’t know what the Ancient Creator of the Universe looks like. But I believe that because I am a native person in this life, I will be drummed back into heaven using when I die. Others will be taken back in with music from their traditions.

Photo 1: This Elder at the Siwash Gathering was singing a traditional song in the Tsilhqo’tin language.

Hunting and Gathering for foods and medicines at certain times of the year has been going on from time immemorial. Passing on these traditions through family outings helps connects us with the land and with each others. Stories are passed on. Mother Earth is honoured for the abundance provided to us and we give thanks for all we receive. Staying connected to our culture is supported by being close to the land. We can be very in tune with the land, for the land knows us and comforts us, it is our home. We know that our Grandmother picked berries in a certain area and we later go there to pick berries, then for us the berries become our medicine.

In most Aboriginal cultures, the communities come together to enjoy games together. Winter Festivals in the North with different types of competitions bring people from all over to participate and cheer on their relations. Hand games such as the Lahal Competitions on the West Coast are popular guessing games. Singing and throat singing, jigging, drumming, dancing, snow shoe racing, chopping trees, Metis fiddling and square dancing, dog sledding, are fun ways of sharing time together. Every fall, the Dene in Saskatchewan gather to camp, picnic and gather berries together.

Photo 3: Dene Elders playing a hand game at High Level, Alberta.

Aboriginal people have always used materials and inspiration from the land to create works of art. Often their craftsmanship and artistry were expressed in practical items. Carvers, bead workers, visual artists, totem pole makers, weavers, basket makers, canoe makers, clothing designers, chefs, song-writers, composers and drum makers find their inspiration from traditional images and symbols as well as contemporary life.

Photo 4: Art work by Catherine Ward, an Ojiway artist from Ontario who now lives in Vancouver, BC

Traditional spirituality has commonly been incorporated into daily and ceremonial aspects of life. Praying to the Creator of the Universe (whether called Manitou in Objaway, NoltSina in Dene, God or Jesus by Chrisitans of any First Nation, or by any other name) has always existed.

Sweat lodges, smudging, honouring Mother Earth, use of the Medicine Wheel, meditating on the land, drumming in solitude and in groups, attending PowWows are examples of following the Red Road. Spirituality means people want to better their lives.

Taking the Recovery Road or the Red Road encourages all to abstain from alcohol and drugs and to be accountable for one’s actions. "The Seven Sacred Teachings of Truth, Love, Respect, Courage, Humility, Honesty and Wisdom are values that apply to traditional and contemporary spirituality."

Photo 5: The glorious Sun at closure of the day – the Creator is creating a beautiful picture, reminding us that we have a spiritual being that takes care of us.

• Prince Albert Grand Council Language Conference 2012
• Produced by Suzi Bekkattla
• Edited by Cheyanna Kootenhayoo
• Music by Love Medicine & Lac Brochet Dene Drummers
• Release Date: 2012
• Running Time: 50 min.

In the winter of 2012, the Prince Albert Grand Council along with Elders and language teachers held a conference regarding the slow decline of Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan; the three language groups are Cree, Dene and Dakota.

The conference examined the reasons for the loss of Indigenous languages including the impact or residential schools and the current state of affairs in Saskatchewan communities. Ideas coming out of group discussions were brought forward, and commitments were made to continue to work together and help the youth to preserve the languages in communities, homes and the education system.

This video examines how Indigenous languages are linked to living on the land with respect and appreciation. Preserving the culture can be enhanced by daily cultivating the use of Indigenous languages and our relationship with the land.

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• Keepers Of The Water Conference
• Produced by Suzi Bekkattla
• Release Date: TBA
• Running Time: TBA

In the summer of 2010, the Keepers of the Water IV Conference was held in the remote Dene community of Wollaston, Saskatchewan known as Thel twah, in partnership with the Keepers of the Water Saskatchewan. The conference focused on the critical environmental issues that impact over 100,000 bodies of water in northern Saskatchewan: the Tar Sands, Protecting the Watersheds, Diamond Rock Mining, and the Nuclear Debate.

The conference was attended by hundreds of people including First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, as well as environmental groups, from communities across Canada and United States.

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• Preserving Our Culture ~ Tl'azt'an Nation Elders
• Produced by Suzi Bekkattla
• Filmed/Edited by Damien Bouchard
• Release Date: 2010
• Running Time: 40 min.

Youth from the Tl'azten Nation, which is part of the Carrier Nation in Northern British Columbia, are guided by mentors to explore their traditional past by going out on the land to learn about winter trapping, ice fishing, and moose hunting.

The time spent on the land allowed the youth to reflect on their own lives' journeys. As the new generation, they speak about the importance of language, culture, remembering traditional values and reconnecting with the land. Their mentors encourage them to maintain the same unison and balance with the land which allowed their ancestors to survive for 10,000 years before them.

This video was partially narrated in the Carrier language and subtitled in English.

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