Cultural Events Still a Priority at SUNTEP Prince Albert

Gabriel Dumont Institute; Prince Albert; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

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Cultural Events Still a Priority at SUNTEP Prince Albert

By Ashley Grimard, SUNTEP Prince Albert Faculty

What a whirlwind of a year it has been at the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) Prince Albert Campus. We started the year with hybrid learning, combining in-person and online classes. As COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan increased, the learning plan shifted to full-time virtual learning. The year was filled with online classes and cultural events, including teachings on tobacco ties, smudging, bannock making, and insights from Elder Liz Settee and Knowledge Keeper Michael Relland.

Recently, SUNTEP Prince Albert hosted its first hybrid Spring Culture Camp. The event began with a virtual opening ceremony and continued over June 1 and 2 with cultural activities for students.

Elder Liz Settee guided a walk at Kristi Lake, identifying medicinal plants, and a visit to Prince Albert's Oasis Garden, where ceremonial herbs grow. Nola Halabiski, SUNTEP Alumni, led Indigenous Yoga at Little Red River Park, teaching students about Yoga's holistic role in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, and its benefits in education.

Photos submitted by Ashley Grimard

Leah Dorion, a renowned SUNTEP instructor, introduced Ribbon Skirt Teachings to online participants, inspiring plans for a future Ribbon Skirt/Shirt-making event by the Culture Committee and Student Representative Council.

GDI’s Nicole DeGagne taught peyote stitch beading, emphasizing that each bead carries a grandmother’s prayer. Students began their own beaded lanyard projects. The camp concluded with a virtual sharing circle, where students reflected on their learnings. Buoyed by the success of these cultural events, staff are excitedly planning a fully in-person Fall Camp in September.

GDI is a Saskatchewan-based institute serving Métis communities through education, employment, and cultural programs.