Canada’s first urban Indigenous ceremonial site opens in YEG
kihcihkaw askî, meaning “sacred land” in Cree, provides a natural setting for the Indigenous community to host ceremonies, sweatlodges, facilitate intergenerational learning, and build and maintain good relations. It officially opened September 22 and is in Whitemud Park at 14141 Fox Drive NW.
“It is an honour to have the first urban Indigenous ceremony site in Canada located in Treaty No. 6,” said Grand Chief Leonard Standingontheroad. “I hope all Indigenous Peoples use the site to connect to their homelands and own traditions.”
"We are proud to have played a role in building the first permanent urban Indigenous cultural and ceremony grounds of its kind in Canada," said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. "Through this partnership with the Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre, kihcihkaw askî will be a safe place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to access and share knowledge within Edmonton."
The location is historically and culturally significant and has served as a ceremonial and gathering site in the past. Long before becoming farmland, the area around kihcihkaw askî was used for many centuries by Indigenous people harvesting medicines for healing purposes. Ochre, a rare mineral also found close to the site, was and continues to be used in spiritual and traditional ceremonies. https://www.facebook.com/IKWC.org/
Playing in the sand: restoration work at Bunchberry Meadows
Cherry Dodd photo
The latest Wildflower News has an article by Cherry Dodd, in the form of a diary, of work done by herself and other volunteers this past year at Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area, which is west of Edmonton in the Devon Sand Dune system. Her diary serves as a series of snapshots of the challenges, tribulations, surprises and satisfactions of creating and maintaining native plant gardens in the middle of a nature reserve.
Cherry writes, There are now four restoration plots that are looked after by different people. Two plots are next to the parking lot and the two I look after are on each side of the driveway as you first enter.
There is a small pond on the south side of the driveway that was the cattle dugout when this land was a ranch. The wetland plot is the space between the pond and the driveway. The soil here is peaty and very rich thanks to years of cattle going down to the water to drink.
Across the driveway to the north is a flat, sandy area backed by a steep slope. Here the topsoil was removed to make a place to park the construction machinery. So, the ecosystem on this side is compacted sandy subsoil. Wow, two completely different ecosystems with different soil conditions, separated by the driveway. Read diary at file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/WF_News_Sept2023%20(1).pdf
Flow of the North Saskatchewan River has shaped Edmonton
Are You On the North or Southside by Anita Nawrocki
Ebb and flow describe the rhythm of life - the flow of the seasons, the flow of time. The flow of the North Saskatchewan River has shaped the city that Edmonton has become. Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. – Zhuangzi
The FLOW exhibit is currently showcased at ten different Edmonton Public Library locations. This captivating exhibition boasts a collection of 81 remarkable pieces created by 47 talented artists.
Jasper Place spotlights exquisite paintings by William Roy and the mesmerizing sculptures of Anthony Antoine. Clareview showcases an array of ceramic artworks crafted by Anita Narocki, Jessica Laurie, and Athena Photinopoulos. Lois Hole presents the impressive works of Melissa Baron and Sara Larsen.
Highlands proudly features participants from the Art Mentorship Society programs as well as artists from the Mustard Seed Art Program. At Castledowns, you'll find the captivating creations of Juwayriya Abdullahi. https://www.epl.ca/capital-city-art/
North America’s largest land mammal is the bison
Lise writes “I love getting this newsletter and always learn something new. The article on the bison was so informative. I wish I’d known all that when I taught Grade 4 social studies. What a fascinating animal!”
Electric Bike & Electric Scooters in North Saskatchewan River
Ethan Doward photo. View from the northside of Dawson bridge of at least 4 e-scooters and one e-bike still in the water, 3 weeks after the City of Edmonton notified. Hey Lime “Do what’s right for our river.”
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Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com