The Talking Stick
October 2026
Indigenous Education Spotlight
Tansi / Taanishi / Hello Everyone
October’s Indigenous Education theme is Indigenous Heroes & Role Models. This month, we invite students, families and staff to learn about Indigenous people who have made and continue to make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, cultures and the world around them.
When we talk about Indigenous heroes and role models, we can look beyond well-known historical figures. Indigenous leadership can be found in many places: in Elders and Knowledge Keepers who carry and share teachings, in artists and language keepers who strengthen culture, in athletes and creators who inspire others, in activists and advocates who work for change, and in everyday people who care for their families and communities.
October brings us into takwâkin (fall)—a time of changing seasons, preparation and transition. It's also pinaskowipîsim (Leaves Falling Moon), a time when the leaves fall from the trees and the land begins its transition toward winter. As we notice these changes around us, October offers an opportunity to think about the people, teachings and relationships that help shape who we are and how we move through the world.
What's Happening This Month:
For Families
Art, Story & Circle: An Indigenous Art Park Gathering
October 3 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Indigenous Art Park, Edmonton
Join the River Valley Alliance Indigenous Committee for a guided gathering at the ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park, exploring Indigenous art, stories and connections to place.
Event information & registration
Join the River Valley Alliance Indigenous Committee for a guided gathering at the ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park, exploring Indigenous art, stories, and connections to place.
Event information & registration
Rehumanizing Wellness Methods & Indigenous Legal Orders: Revitalizing Matrilineal Knowledge
October 13-14 | Wyndham Conference Centre 4440 Gateway Blvd., Edmonton AB
A professional indoor event exploring health practices, Indigenous sovereignty, and legal traditions
Event information & registration
Indigitization Workship
October 15-17 | 9:00a.m. -4:00 p.m. | Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre Edmonton, AB
Join us for a three-day workshop with hands-on training, equipment, and resources to digitize and preserve Indigenous community knowledge.
Event information & registration
For Staff & Students
EIPS Indigenous Heroes & Role Models: Lunch & Learn
October 6 | 12:05–12:25 p.m. | VirtualJoin us for a short 20-minute Lunch & Learn highlighting Indigenous heroes and role models from Alberta and beyond. We’ll explore the stories and contributions of Indigenous people who demonstrate leadership, creativity, advocacy, cultural strength and community connection, with opportunities to consider how these stories can connect to classroom learning and the Alberta Teaching Quality Standard.
Bring your lunch, come as you are and leave with a few new people and stories to add to your teaching toolkit!
EIPS Virtual Ribbon Skirt Teaching Session
October 15 | 1–3 p.m. | Virtual | Junior High Students
Join us for a virtual learning session exploring the history, meaning and teachings connected to ribbon skirts. Students will learn about the significance of ribbon skirts within Indigenous communities, hear stories and teachings, and explore how clothing can express identity, culture, strength and connection.
The session is a chance to learn, listen and create meaningful connections to Indigenous ways of knowing and being
nêhiyawêwin (Cree Language) Classes — Canadian Native Friendship Centre
October 5, 19 & 26 | 6–8 p.m. | Edmonton
EPL is offering beginner-friendly, in-person Cree language classes in partnership with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. Online sessions are also available throughout October.
EPL Indigenous events & registration
Sacred Pathways: Medicines That Guide Us
October 1 to November 5 | Virtual
A six-session virtual workshop through the Otipemisiwak Métis Government exploring sacred medicines, creativity, mindfulness, reflection and connections to the land.
Understanding the Land: Honouring Gifts from Mother Earth
October 21 & 28 | 6–8 p.m. | Virtual
A land-based learning opportunity focused on connection, creativity, reflection and honouring the land and those who came before us.
Save the Dates
October 6 — Lunch and Learn: Indigenous Role Models
October 15 — Junior High Virtual Ribbon Skirt Teachings
Literature Connections
- We Are Water Protectors — Carole Lindstrom
My Powerful Hair — Carole Lundstrom
- Just Like Grandma — Kim Rogers
- Call Me Indian — Fred Sasakamoose with Meg Masters
- First Nations Book for Young Readers Series
Reflection Questions
What can we learn from their stories?
How might their examples help us think about the kind of person we want to become?