|
|
How we lived with the Land
Summer Gathering
Each year all of our clans met for ceremonies that renew our sacred connections with our world. We call this
"Akoka’tssini" or "The Time of all People Camping Together." As people arrived in camp they put up their tipis next to other members of their clan, creating a large circle with an opening facing east. |
|
|
 |
Summer Camp
Each summer all of our clans came together in a circle camp. We call this
akoka’tssini (the time of all clans camping together).
In the late 1890s the government tried to stop us from having
akoka’tssini. Our people resisted and kept our traditions alive. The ceremonies at the camp remind us that we are part of nature and must respect the plants and animals.
Akoka’tssini has always reminded us what it means to be
Niitsitapii. It is part of our identity.
 |
 |
Glenbow Archives NA-1094-4
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
Painted Tipis
Many of our tipis were painted with special designs that came to people in dreams. These designs helped the family have a good life.
|
 |
Glenbow Archives NA-919-37
|
|
|
|
Hand Games
Our summer camp was a time for socializing as well as for ceremonies. Men played
piiksikahtasin (hand games) and told stories.
Hand games were played by two teams that faced each other. One team passed a pair of small bones among themselves and sang
songs to distract their opponents. The other team tried to guess which hand held the bones. Sometimes each team bet horses, guns, and other items.
 |
 |
Gerald Tailfeathers,
The Hand Game, 1961,
Collection of Glenbow Museum
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Social Dances
Our lives were not all work and sacred ceremonies. We enjoyed visiting and telling stories. Social occasions were a chance to relax, sing, and dance. Young boys often used these times to dance with girls they liked.
People joined in
o'taksipaaskaan (round dances),
siipisttoipasskaan (owl dances), and other styles of social dancing.
|
 |
 |
more images
Glenbow Archives NA-1481-399
Glenbow Archives NA-2257-87
Glenbow Archives NA-2257-85 |
|
|
|
|
The Time of All Camping Together
The akoka’tssini (The Time of All Camping Together) has always brought our people together. It is still one of our most important times of the year for us.
|
 |
Gerald Tailfeathers,
Blood Camps, 1956,
Collection of Glenbow Museum |
|
|
 |
"We would like to stay camped here, but we have heard that there are abundant chokecherries and many elk to the east."
|
"Our summer ceremonies are over. Tomorrow all the clans will start leaving."
 |
 |
|
|
