Community Feedback

1. State one question about First Nations issues that you have “always wanted to know but were afraid to ask”

-Many things were explained tonight. Have been very interested in the First Nations culture, so do not have any questions
-Why in a society of sharing were women second class?
-How can we persuade more First Nation children to use the education available to them.
-How do we break the cycle – how do we become “one nation”? How do we get First Nations to proudly show us their skills?
-Had lots of questions and many more I didn’t know I had
-Are the aboriginal “youth” also interested in the resurgence of the native culture?
-I’ve lived on a reservation for 2 years, gone to many First Nations events, so nothing comes to mind.
-Is their animosity towards the rest of Canadians or is this the beginning of forgiving and healing?
-How to find out about my Native heritage? Where to get info? Is it readily available?


2. What have you learned from this presentation that you did not know before?

-The intricacies and patience in dressmaking was fascinating.
-Spirits in all of the Great Spirit’s creations.
-About First Nations dress and First Nation culture.
-Treaty 4 was signed in 1874
-More about treaties
-Lots – background, dress
-Lots, and lots and lots!
-The number of jingles on a jingle dress
-There is so much more to learn.
-That Lakota and Dakota Nations were in Canada


3. What one point in the presentation had the most impact?

-The belief the First Nations have with respect to Mother Earth is very moving.
-It was all excellent.
-Singing
-About the Great Spirit
-Rock spirit
-Lyndon singing
-The pride Lois had in her native dress
-First Nations are open to questions and sharing their culture. I didn’t know if it was OK to ask.
-Communication, one culture with another is nice to see. Eg: Lyndon speaking to school children.
-That the earth, air and water are considered living and that people are less likely to harm something considered to be alive.
-Lyndon’s song and drumming
-The fact that First Nation’s are becoming more involved in the work force.




4. If you had an opportunity to learn more about First Nations issues, what areas would you be interested in?

-Anything pertaining to this culture is of interest. There is a great hope for the First Nations.
-Treaties and traditional medicine/food.
-Stories of the past
-History of Southwest from First Nation perspective. Elder stories of the land.
-Treaties, life on reserves and integration.
-Culture, powwow meaning/symbolism, spirituality, also protocols. The different cultural groups Lakota/Dakota/Cree/Souix confusion.
-Reserves seem to be a place where the cycle of alcohol abuse and poverty continues. Do First Nations people want the reserve system as it is or is there a way to break the cycle and become “one nation” of people.
-How can we get our two cultures to come together in common purpose.
-What specific things are helping First Nations people have more positive outcomes in their lives now?
-Purpose, proper protocols of different ceremonies (ie Sundance, Powwows) feasts, round dance. How families interact differently then ours. Learn more about beliefs.
-To learn more about powwows.

5. Other comments

-Excellent evening!