The sound of drums filled the arena. Dancers moved through the space in rhythm and regalia. Families gathered, artists shared their work and community members came together to connect.
During National Indigenous History Month, United Way is reflecting on a meaningful weekend of ceremony, celebration and community connection in Okotoks.
From May 29 to 31, the Town of Okotoks hosted its annual Powwow, Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market.
The gathering reflected the Town of Okotoks’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by creating space for Indigenous culture, identity and art to be celebrated in an urban centre.
The event showed that Indigenous language, ceremony, oral traditions and sacred ways of life are alive, strong and carried wherever community gathers.
For United Way, seeing our tipi standing among the many others gathered in Okotoks carried deep meaning.
The tipi’s journey began long before it arrived at the Powwow grounds. Guided by Elders, United Way staff took part in its creation, from stripping bark from the poles to drawing and painting Elder Reg Crowshoe’s designs.
United Way was transferred rite to the tipi through ceremony, marking our ongoing commitment to Akak’stiman: walking alongside Indigenous communities with humility, respect and a responsibility to build relationships in a good way.
Our tipi carries symbols representing the four Guiding Principles of our Akak’stiman strategy: Making Relatives, Ethical Space, Kindness Towards Everything, and Elders and Traditional Indigenous Knowledge.
At the gathering, United Way’s tipi stood in a circle of tipis, not as a separate presence, but as part of a larger circle of community. Throughout the weekend, people moved between the Powwow, Tipi Camp and artisan market, gathering to share stories, celebrate culture and strengthen connections.
Surrounded by Elders, families, artists and dancers, the tipi became one small part of a much larger story, one rooted in relationship, reciprocity and belonging.
For Joanne Pinnow, Director, Akak’stiman, at United Way, this was a powerful reminder of what Akak’stiman looks like in practice.
“Having the United Way tipi there was a meaningful physical representation of our commitment to putting Elder guidance and teachings into practice,” says Pinnow.
“It shows that this work takes place not only in offices and community spaces, but also in this beautiful and blessed venue. Here, we held gatherings, learning opportunities and Elder-led ceremonies that guided our path with intention. We are truly honoured for this opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures with the broader community to listen, learn and gather.”
Learn more about United Way’s Akak’stiman strategy, and our commitment to supporting and walking alongside Indigenous people.