The Talking Stick

As we welcome March, we enter the Cree moon cycle known as niskipîsim (Goose Moon). This is a time of anticipation and energy, marking the return of the geese and the beginning of spring’s awakening across the prairies.

There is a powerful teaching we can take from the Niska (Goose) this month. When geese fly in their V-formation, they share the burden of the journey. When the lead bird gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another flies forward to take its place. They constantly communicate, honking to encourage the ones in front to keep up their speed.

As we move into this busy time of the school year, let us look to the Niska for inspiration. Let us share the load, encourage one another, and move forward together as a community. Whether in the classroom or out on the land, may this month bring you renewed energy and the warmth of the returning spring.

Participants will examine how Treaty 6 continues to shape the land we live on today and confront the often-overlooked history of Métis Scrip—a process designed to extinguish Aboriginal title that resulted in vast land loss and displacement for Métis families. Through storytelling and historical analysis, staff will gain the confidence to bring these essential truths into their classrooms and professional practices.

March 10, 2026 - kimôtiwin: Métis Scrip and Theft of Land - Join us to critically explore and unpack the concept of kimôtiwin (theft of land) and its historical context within Métis history and identity. This session will examine the Métis scrip system and educators will gain a deeper understanding of why this system led to mass land speculation, the forced dispossession of Métis families, and the subsequent loss of a collective land base. Understanding this foundational historical truth is crucial for authenticating your teaching of truth and reconciliation and for contextualizing the extraordinary resilience and ongoing fight for justice and self-government by the Métis.

Mar. 21, 2026 - Calling all Pre-K to Grade 4 educators! Join Felice Gladue of MetisALIVE for a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed to empower you with practical, ready-to-use ideas for your classroom.

Learn how to weave Métis culture into your daily routines, transitions, and circle time through song, dance, movement and storytelling.

• When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Where: Fort Edmonton Métis District Office (11724 95 St., Edmonton)

• Cost: $150 (Includes resource book, crafts, snacks and beverages!)

Don’t miss out on this immersive cultural learning experience.

March 12, 2026 - Bannock Fest at the Telus World of Science

March 25–28, 2026 - Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week

Honouring tradition. Elevating innovation.

Showcasing the beauty and power of Indigenous fashion.

Join us in shaping the future of Indigenous style.

https://linktr.ee/iefashioncollective