Stoney Nakoda Nation - 2010 Olympic Torch Run
EBA took part in the Stoney Nakoda Nation Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration in Morley, AB, on January 20. The celebration included a traditional pipe ceremony and a procession of traditional dancers, drummers, and flag carriers. Master of Ceremonies Peter Snow, Chief David Bearspaw, Chief Bruce Labelle, Chief Clifford Poucette, and visiting Chief YellowBird (Samson Cree Nation) gave a welcoming speech, while an elected elder along with two Stoney Nation fire keepers performed a blessing ceremony for the flame.
Fire keepers traditionally play a dual role in Aboriginal ceremonies: they are tasked with keeping fires burning during ceremonies as well as teaching the spiritual meanings of the fire. Whenever the Olympic Flame arrives in an Aboriginal community during the Olympic Torch Relay, an elder chosen by his or her people will act as an honorary fire keeper and perform a short welcoming and blessing ceremony for the flame. The role is an honour and acknowledgement of the person’s commitment to the teachings of his or her nation.
EBA showed our support for the event via attendance as well as by corporate and employee contributions to the Vancouver 2010 Red Mitten campaign by donations to the Stoney - Morley school. One thousand and forty school children from the Stoney Nakoda Nation gathered at the Administration building to witness the Olympic Torch firsthand as it passed en route to Vancouver. These children attend school at the Morley Community School, or Chief Jacob Bearspaw Memorial School in Eden Valley as well as Ta Otha School in Big Horn, Alberta.
All of the children lined the route to the ceremony wearing their red mittens and cheering animatedly for the torchbearer, Cherith Mark. Following the blessing ceremony, the torch left Morely headed for Nakiska. The Stoney Nation celebrated with a round dance that included the entire community.
By Lia Thiesmann
This page was last updated on: 1/27/2010 5:02:00 PM
