A winter solstice celebration was held in Lethbridge on December 21, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Blackfoot winter solstice celebration held in Lethbridge

Dec 21, 2023 | 11:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It is the shortest day of the year and a local First Nation sought to commemorate the occasion.

The Blackfoot Winter Solstice event was held at the Cavendish Farms Centre, recognizing and paying respect to the Blackfoot community.

Elder Mike Bruised Head explained that the Blackfoot people do not organize the year into months, but rather, into moon cycles. The winter solstice takes place during the cold moon.

“During Winter Solstice, we are acknowledging and respecting the coming home of the sun,” said Bruised Head. “It’s an honourable and sacred time to the Blackfoot people.”

The celebration included a traditional Blackfoot smudge, storytelling to local elementary students, a round dance, and free open staking at the venue.

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Those in attendance also took part in a Winter Count, in which records are made on an animal hide that captures environmental details at significant events. Api’ soomaahka William Singer, III was the painter and recorder for the count.

Bruised Head said he was not sure if the Blackfoot Winter Solstice would be an annual event, but he was encouraged by the attendance at the event and the excited participation of the children who were there.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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