Thunder Beings Rising

Who is this relative?

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Ts'īnīstsáłí - Chokecherry

This relative is a part of the rose family and is a stone fruit. Chokecherry can be found across Canada.
The flowers bloom in May and June, so its a good friend to the pollinators.
The berries are edible and are high in vitamin A,C,K, & B6. Many people use them in jam & jellies. Traditionally we used this relative in pemmican.

There was a study completed by a Shoshone & Paiute student, that showed when chokecherry was process traditionally, it had the power to kill uterine cancer cells. Amazing!

Do not eat the pits unless you know how to process them properly.
Remember to always learn from multiple sources (knowledge holders, etc) before harvesting by yourself.

Some recently donated pieces 🌙🦬🏒

I do love the Opal cab earrings with the hanging moon piece.

Next market is YEG Pride. Come say hello 🤩

Happy National Bison Week!

Xani-tii: Buffalo/Bison
Hah-nih-tiih (hard H at the beginning & hold the ih longer at the end)

Did you know Tsuut'ina have had xani-tii on the reserve since 1980? That is almost 50 years! Although, we have had a relationship with xani-tii far longer than that.

Have you heard of the Buffalo Treaty?
In 2014, eight signatories came together and pledge to return xani-tii to the land. In the 12 years since then, many nations across North America have signed onto this treaty (including a few Maori).
If you want to learn more about the Buffalo treaty, please check out People of the Buffalo Treaty

I signed onto the treaty. Meaning I will spend the rest of my life honouring xani-tii and doing the work of taking care of the land.

Last but not least: "Its bison, not buffalo!"
Does correcting the colonial name help restore xani-tii and their habitats? Or is it continuing colonial harm against Indigenous people?
The Indigenous languages of North America are older than latin. So the names we have for this relative would have been used much longer than "bison".

How did we get to mid-July so quickly?

Tsíìs ?itsizi Ch'at'agha: Duck Molting Month (July)

Tsuut'ina Vocabulary:
• Tsíìs: Duck
• Nīnághā / Sash: Bear
• Tsúùstł'à: Gopher
• Názighà: Skunk
• Mímìdàgúdìk'àzí: Robin
• Ts'ī: Mosquito
• ?ìt'ázà: Butterfly
• Mìł: Moth
• Ts'ìnìdzàghá: Strawberry
• Tsànàghà: Blueberry
• Tłíkón: Sweet tasting
• Chóót'ī: It is raining
• Chodisdi: Sunshine

Last few items from the 2-Spirit market.

Next market isn't until end of August and I would love to start it off with new product.

I'm always down for non-monetary & non-beadwork trades 😏

1. Sage Green Buffalo Cab Studs (1inch)
2. Thunder Bird Cab Studs (1.5inch)
3. Sparkly Blue Cabs, Silver hooks (2inch)
4. Orange Heart Cab, dentalium hanging piece, fingernail backing (5inch)
5. Pastel Green & White, sparkly teardrop Cab, silver hooks (2.5inch)
6. Pastel Pink, black & gold accent Wristlet (6inch)
7. Pastel Gold & Rainbow, Elk Cab Keychain (2inch)
8. Thunderbird Cab Pin (1.5inch)
9. Cactus Pin (3inch)

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Indian Relay Night Market!

Bring your family, bring your friends, and come support local businesses while enjoying one of the most thrilling cultural sporting events around.

Everyone welcome!

📍 Enoch Cultural Grounds
🎟️ Free admission to the market (Relay entry $20, Elders 60+ by donation, kids under 12 are free)

Happy Indigenous and Pride Month.

Be proud of who you are.

Who knows the name of this relative?

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?ídísch'úzhí - Wild Rose!

Identified by:
• Light pink to magenta flower petals
• Thorny stem
• Flowers turn into a red small fruit called rose hips
• Leaves have serrated edges

?ídísch'úzhí (wild rose) is a super plant.
High in vitamin C, manganese, fiber (known to lower cholesterol)... those are just a few of the benefits this relative carries.

But besides helping us, ?ídísch'úzhí is a friend to our native pollinators. Who very much need all the help they can get.

When was the last time you saw ?ídísch'úzhí (wild rose)?