We're midway through the week-long celebration of Cochrane's Indigenous Art and Culture being coordinated by the Wazin Îchinabi Ti (House of Oneness).
Continuing until Mar. 23, it features a variety of activities driven by local and surrounding community members, groups, and businesses, showcasing Indigenous art and culture in various mediums. The aim is to educate, raise awareness, entertain, and build connections and opportunities within the community.
Tonight (Wed. Mar. 19) the Stoney Nakoda AV Club presents a Movie Night at Wazin with filmmaker Jarret Twoyoungmen from 7 to 9 p.m. at the centre, located at 521 1 St. W. in the Historic downtown.
There are three major events tomorrow, (Thurs. Mar. 20).
The Route 22 Artist Gallery, 208 1 St. W., is holding an opening reception with feature artists Gordon Wesley & Neveah Wesley from 4 to 7 p.m.
Engaging the 94 Calls to Action: A Student-Led Exploration of Reconciliation begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Wazin. Students of the U of C's Werlund School of Education will showcase their work on the journey to reconciliation.
There's a screening of the new film "Return To The Falls" by acclaimed Cochrane filmmaker Eppo Eerkes at the Cochrane Movie House at 7 p.m.
Several years in the making, Eerkes worked with Elder Betty Ross to offer a powerful docudrama exploring the residential school system. The one-hour film, which features both documentary footage and dramatized scenes, follows Elder Betty as she returns to Sugar Falls, a site of deep significance in her life.
You can view the trailer here.
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Every Thursday in Mînî Thnî, the Stoney Health Services hosts a luncheon. This week, it's being hosted at Wazin Îchinabi Ti.
Friday night (Mar. 21), the Cochrane Lions Event Centre (CLEC) will host a fashion show and cultural performances gala from 6 to 10 p.m.
Cochrane's first Indigenous fashion show, entitled "All My Relations Fashion Show" includes culture presentations, performances, and opportunities to connect and learn. There will be a demonstration of their new Augmented Reality Murals for unveiling and much more.
Appetizers are included in the ticket price and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased here.
A Family Gathering & Indigenous Market follows at CLEC from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a chance to win door prizes. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday, Mar. 23 a drum-making workshop is being led by Walter Wirch and Sony Campbell.
All materials are included in the price.
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Experience deep-rooted tradition of drum-making
The Cochrane Public Library, 405 Railway St. W, hosts a Métis Fish Scale Art Workshop with Captain Amber Boyd. It's free to attend but registration is required.
Data from 2021 indicates about 5,397 Iyarhe Nakoda live in Stoney Nakoda Nations and 1,465 residents in Cochrane identifying as Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis.
In the last five years, the Indigenous population of Cochrane has significantly increased by 36.3 per cent. Despite this growth, the visibility of the immense talent and Indigenous cultural heritage is not expressed in our built landscape. These events aim to contribute to that landscape for Indigenous people in and around Cochrane.
You can find further details on the week, including registration and ticket links, here.