Students Unite for Annual Celebration of Indigenous Culture

A unique celebration of Indigenous culture took place at Mount Royal University (MRU) as students from MRU and Bishop Carroll High School participated in the third annual human spider web event. This gathering, part of the school’s ongoing Journey to Indigenization, aimed to honor the Siksika creation story, known as ani to pisi.

The event, which unfolded on one of MRU’s soccer fields, involved hundreds of students and faculty forming a web-like pattern. As they waved their arms in unison, they enacted the vibrations described in the creation story, symbolizing the interconnectedness of community members. Elder Roy Bear Chief, who has been instrumental in this initiative, explained that the vibrations serve as a signal for the Creator and community to offer assistance during times of need.

Dr. Stephen Price, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education, noted the significance of the event, which requires around 30 volunteers and 500 students to bring the vision to life. He emphasized the importance of this opportunity for non-Indigenous participants to connect with the rich history of the Treaty 7 territories.

“This is a chance for settlers like myself to engage and learn from elders about how the Creator gifted the spider web to the people,” Dr. Price said. “The vibrations symbolize interconnectivity, allowing us to support one another.”

The event coincided with preparations for the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, providing a platform for community members to come together, listen, and learn. Participants registered online, and Dr. Price highlighted the enthusiastic response from students eager to engage with the elders present.

“They’ve expressed a strong desire to be involved and learn from this experience,” he stated.

Dr. Timothy Rahilly, President and first Vice-Chancellor of MRU, conveyed the university’s commitment to indigenization and decolonization initiatives that have been in progress since 2021. He remarked on the importance of events like this as part of a broader effort to integrate Indigenous perspectives into the university’s culture and curriculum.

“This event is a significant statement of our dedication to these principles,” Dr. Rahilly said.

The annual human spider web event not only celebrates Indigenous stories but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and understanding among diverse groups within the MRU community. As participants come together to enact the Siksika creation story, they contribute to a collective journey towards reconciliation and cultural appreciation.