‘The Indigenous way’: Big Eagle Round Dance promotes connection at Medicine Hat College

“The talk in the last few years has been with reconciliation,” Big Eagle said Saturday.

“As Indigenous people, we’re always so honoured to share our culture.”

The ‘Ómahksípiitaa Big Eagle Round Dance’ is a traditional Blackfoot ceremony held at the beginning of each year to promote healing, strength, and connection.

The round dance, taking place for the third year at the MHC on Saturday, it was an opportunity for the community to learn about aspects of Indigenous culture in an immersive way.

Courtesy/Medicine Hat College

The college says that the Round Dance is an opportunity to experience a traditional way of knowledge and being, and that its a “movement towards reconciliation.”

Big Eagle said that the dance gives the community the chance to get together and celebrate Indigenous culture through song and dance.

“This was a very crucial place, Medicine Hat. As Blackfoot people, we like to walk in the pathways of our ancestors,” he said.

(left to right) Dan Fox (Big Eagle) and his daughter (Beautiful Eagle). Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Pat Aker, co-chair of the Firekeepers Women’s Society, is part of an indigenous women’s group that shares their culture and knowledge with women in the community.

She said that the Round Dance is a ceremony to start the new year off with good thoughts and intentions.

“It brings the community together. And it’s sharing knowledge and teachings. So that’s what it’s all about. That’s the Indigenous way,” she said.

“It’s very spiritual. So it touches your heart,” she added.

“When you hear the beat of the drum, it’s like the heartbeat of your mother. Mother Earth.”

Pat Aker. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

The Big Eagle Round Dance was in partnership with the Firekeepers Women’s Society, Miywasin Friendship Centre, and Saamis Employment and Training Association.

A Pipe Ceremony also took place prior to the Round Dance, which saw MHC president Kevin Shufflebotham participate.

Historically the ceremony was used to open negotiations between different nations, as a means of positive communication occurring.

Nicki Eastly, Indigenous student specialist at MHC, said that the Pipe Ceremony provides a blessing, and an opportunity for prayer.

She said that the ceremony as a whole is mainly for the next generation.

“The ‘Big Eagle’ ceremony is a great thing to have our younger people involved in, and it teaches the next generation why culture is so important,” she said.

“It also makes sure that culture stays living, and that it will carry on.”

Nicki Eastly. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Big Eagle said that he initially attended the college to get involved in athletics.

He said that when he first arrived, he felt as if he was the only Indigenous person in the city.

“Back in the day, when I first came here to Medicine Hat, when I played back in when I was 18, 19 years old, there was no presence,” he said.

“I could never feel of indigenous culture involved,” he added.

“But today, this building being here is such a heartfelt place to be.”

Big Eagle said that he applauds the college for its efforts in making Medicine Hat recognized for the Blackfoot ways, among other treaties.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

‘The Indigenous way’: Big Eagle Round Dance promotes connection at Medicine Hat College

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