Unveiling of the Iissksiniip Coulee Walk (l to r: Marcia Black Water, William Singer III, Shanda Webber, Lowell Yellowhorn, Peter Weasel Moccasin, Dr. Paula Burns, Dr. Samantha Lenci, Nancy Russell) - Photo supplied by Lethbridge College

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College unveils new coulee plant walk highlighting Blackfoot history

Sep 30, 2021 | 6:10 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The land where Lethbridge College stands has been home to the Blackfoot people for thousands of years.

On Tuesday, as part of Truth and Reconciliation Week, the college unveiled the Iissksiniip Coulee Walk. The self-guided tour explores the traditional plants found in the area, explains their uses and shares some of the traditional creation stories of the Siksikaitsitapi, the Blackfoot Confederacy.

The walk was created by traditional Blackfoot plant knowledge keeper and artist William Singer III (Api’soomaahka – Running Coyote) in conjunction with the college’s Indigenous Services team.

Shanda Webber, the college’s manager of Indigenous Services, said, “for this project, it was our vision to build on our collective story of what it means to reside on Blackfoot territory and the importance of sharing a cultural narrative that strengthens our relations and understanding of living in harmony with our Indigenous communities and the land that sustains us all.”

“We would like to give our heartfelt thanks and admiration to William Singer III who made this vision a reality and allowed the Iissksiniip Coulee Walk to be experienced by so many for future years to come.”

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The walk starts on the west side of the Lethbridge College campus, behind the Cullen Residence buildings, and tours around the coulees. It can be enjoyed by students, staff and the public.

Traditional Blackfoot plant knowledge keeper and artist William Singer III (Api’soomaahka – Running Coyote) – Photo supplied by Lethbridge College

William Singer III said, “the natural world is the foundation of knowledge that connects all life.”

“You feel it and experience it every time you look at Ksaahkomm (nature, Earth). Our Kaahsinnooniks (grandparents) teach us that we do not own the land, but we are a part of it. It is our role to honour and be stewards of the land, as well as Ksaahkoyi stamohkanainna’ki’pa (respect and care for the environment).”

Faculty from the School of Environmental Studies have brought students out already to use the walk as part of their learning experience.

The walk is an extension of the college’s focus on the indigenization of campus spaces, including the permanent raising of the Blackfoot Confederacy Flag, the unveiling of the Ohkotoki’aahkoiyiiniimaan display, the development of Founders’ Square, the renovation of the Niitsitapi Gathering Place and the naming of the Niitsitapi’ksimpstaan learning space.