Kiskihkeyimown - Sharing Good Teachings May 4-8

event Published 2026-04-24 14:00:20.889 +0000 UTC

Medicine Hat, Alberta (April 24, 2026) – The Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) is thrilled to announce the return of Kiskihkeyimowin, an educational event that fosters understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. Kiskihkeyimowin, meaning "sharing good teachings" in Plains Cree, takes place at the Medicine Hat College from May 4-8, 2026. 

Grade 4 and 10 students will once again have the privilege of learning from Indigenous leaders, Elders, knowledge keepers, and other esteemed members of the community. Immersed in the rich traditions of Blackfoot, Cree, and Métis cultures, students will participate in interactive activities inside authentic Cree and Blackfoot Teepee structures.

Kiskihkeyimowin is a journey of discovery and offers students a unique opportunity to learn through age appropriate teachings:

  • Engage in the circle of courage, talking circles and smudging
  • Explore traditional crafts like dream catchers, beading and finger weaving
  • Learn the art of drumming
  • Discover the beauty of traditional dances and games
  • Immersed in hands on storytelling and rich cultural traditions

Community collaboration is what allows us to bring this vision to life, the success of Kiskihkeyimowin can be attributed to work of the organizing committee. Representatives from Medicine Hat College, the Miywasin Friendship Centre, Medicine Hat Métis District 2, the Firekeeper's Women' Society, local Indigenous community members, Indigenous allies, and volunteers from the Medicine Hat College Education program all played a crucial role.

MHPSD aims to foster reconciliation through our shared experience and is grateful for the support of partners like the Medicine Hat College and the Miywasin Friendship Centre. Their contributions are essential in creating a meaningful learning experience for students and fostering reconciliation through cultural understanding.

"We are committed to fostering reconciliation through education and are grateful for the support of sponsors like Methanex, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, Medicine Hat College, Southlands Co-op, City of Medicine Hat - Community Vibrancy Grant, Southland Transportation, Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium, Grand Rental Station, and Tourism Alberta" said Darrell Willier, First Nation, Métis and Inuit Coordinator with MHPSD. "The work we are able to accomplish by coming together is inspiring, we have created learning experiences that allows students to be immersed in our Indigenous cultures and traditions." 

Opening Ceremony
Join us on a journey of shared good teachings at our opening ceremony on Monday, May 4, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Elder Charlie Fox, Elder Pat Aaker and other invited guests will help to start the celebration through a traditional Indigenous grand entry and opening ceremony. The opening ceremony will be held in the Eresman Theatre at the Medicine Hat College, and is open to anyone who is interested in attending. 

While the event sessions are dedicated to student learning, the public is welcome to explore the Teepees after 4:00 pm daily. We look forward to celebrating Indigenous cultures and traditions with our students and the broader community.

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Lee Krasilowez                                                        
Communications Manager
403.977.9086                                                             
communications@sd76.ab.ca