Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
Hello dear reaeders, Love is in the air now that it’s the month of February. Although we should always love one another any time of the year. I wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Whishatever you are doing on this special day with your loved ones, enjoy it and cherish the memories. This year [...]
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The Indian Village

By Melvin Laureano

Lying on the south end of the Stampede Park is the Indian Village, one of the most popular attractions during the Calgary Stampede 2009. It has been part of the Stampede since 1912. Visitors to the Village can enjoy and relax in a beautiful park setting where many of the tipis (teepees) stand. A tipi is a tent dwelling of the First Nations people and is made of a large canvass which is tied to long wooden poles that meet and cross at the top. The First Nations people at the Indian Village represent the five tribes of Treaty 7 and include the Siksika, Tsuu T’ina, Stoney/Nakoda, Piikani and Kainai. Any visitor is welcome to speak with Village residents and tipi owners. There are wonderful opportunities to view selected tipis that are open daily.

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When I visited the Indian Village, I was very much entertained by their traditional performances. Men and women dancers performed a Powwow Dance wearing their unique and colorful costumes. The dance which was accompanied by drums gave me an amazing insight into their body movements, ceremonial objects and songs. People in the Indian Village are friendly and warm, and I feel it deep inside my heart.
Walking around the Village, I saw a fire pit where there was a cooking demonstration. It is how the native people prepare their daily meals and prepare their winter rations outside. Meat was cut in preparation for drying to make jerky and pemmican, and bannock and berry soups were prepared over open fires. Some other events were the Tug of War, Tipi Raising Contest and the ancient game called Handgame.