The ceremonial grounds at Blue Quills College were bustling with activity and people last week, with the area filled with teepees and an overall sense of wellbeing.
The week was filled with not only ceremony, but storytelling and traditional crafts also. On Tuesday afternoon, a number of people were relaxing in the sun, as they took part in drum and rattle making, soapstone carving, and painting that were part of the annual Blue Quills Cultural Camp.
“The key I’m feeling here today . . . it’s spirit, and there’s a lot of ways you can approach that,” said speaker Gregory Coyes. Coyes, who is Métis, is a Yale University graduate and has been working in the film industry for 30 years.
“Media is everywhere today,” said Coyes. Through his life, he has realized that he now wants to make media that makes him healthy, and in turn, makes those who watch it healthy too. After working on his first film, Running Brave, Coyes made the decision to dive into the film industry and worked wherever he could.
“It’s been an incredible journey for me,” he said, as he encouraged people to find their own way to express themselves. “It’s about tapping into spirit.”
Coyes also spoke about the importance APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) has had on giving birth to a native film industry. Coyes, who is also a musician, hosts the show The Mix, on APTN. He is also part of a series called the Hundred Years Café, which highlights a variety of First Nations musicians. The series is set to air later this year.
Also in attendance to share his knowledge was Richard Wagamese, a well-known Canadian author. The captivating speaker stressed the importance of being a storyteller.
The four “magical” words he repeated throughout his talk, “Tell me a story,” represents the storytelling ability of all people; from the moment we can speak, we are all storytellers, he said.
“I do it because I don’t have a choice,” explained Wagamese about his urge to tell stories. With only a Grade 9 education, the First Nations writer has worked at the Calgary Herald, won national writing awards, and has 13 novels under his belt.
But, “I think my best books are coming,” said Wagamese, who always strives to be a better storyteller than he was yesterday. “I believe that I was born to be a storyteller . . . I just trust and believe in it.”
Another message Wagamese stressed was something an elder once told him.
“All that we are is the story of our time here . . . It’s all we take with us. And it’s all we leave behind,” he said.
Thursday morning also included presentations by Beric Dean Manywounds, a young filmmaker, and mother-daughter duo Teneil and Miika Whiskeyjack who have both worked as actresses on the television show Blackstone.
The Cultural Camp at Blue Quills wrapped up on Friday with a horse dance ceremony and camp clean-up.
