From June 18th to 20th, the Parkdale School fields will be full of tipis, vendors, and community members for our annual Culture Camp and National Indigenous People’s Day celebration. With eight tipis, two trapper tents, and our sweat lodge, there will be an abundance of knowledge and teachings available.
Lloyd Yellowbird—senior manager at Bent Arrow—has overseen every Culture Camp dating back to its inaugural year. He said the community plays a key factor in creating these events, making sure every member of the community knows Bent Arrow is a place to visit for many services.
“I think it’s right up there with teachings and knowledge, also being part of the community. Bent Arrow is a place they can go; no matter what cultural background or gender, they can come here.”
Having traditional-based teachings, a sweatlodge, elders, and knowledge keepers available throughout urban centers has always been important, especially for those moving from rural communities. Yellowbird mentions the significance of feeling like someone belongs, especially when first moving to the city.
“When they come to Bent Arrow, we’re going to help them. We’re going to get them a home and involved in schools and culture. Culture is very important here at Bent Arrow; it’s our foundation.”
All of our programs at Bent Arrow help make this happen, including the Practise as Ceremony (PAC) Team, who spend countless months preparing for the camp. Their preparations include finding the elders and knowledge keepers, facilitating sweats, and providing education for anyone attending.
Bernard Dumas is a Cultural Connector for the PAC program; he’s spent many years helping coordinate the event. He put an emphasis on the importance of youth attending the event, and although our Culture Camp takes place on Treaty 6 Territory, it’s important to include all Indigenous cultures.
“We get people from every nation. We have Metis, Blackfoot, Cree, Soto, Stoney, and Inuit. We try to get other nations involved to give their teachings because we’re in this together; it’s not just one. Bring them all here so people can get the chance to immerse themselves in whatever they’re going to teach.”