By Mase Scarlet
On May 20th, 2025, Dustin Dick and Jennifer Calf Robe from Siksika Family Services and White Buffalo held their program Roots and Resilience: A Family Journey. Participants took part in activities like creating crafts such as medicine pouches and miniature tipis, as well as engaging in trust-building games and group discussions about their family dynamics.
Dustin and Jennifer were able to create a safe and trusting environment, where parents and kids felt comfortable enough to admit they mostly spend time on their screens rather than with each other.
One participant bravely spoke about breaking generational trauma by getting to know her kids, siblings, and her own parents. Both parents and kids were able to connect in a game where they guessed each other’s answers on whiteout boards. A particular parent-kid duo guessed each other’s answers right—when asked, “What does mom always say?” the mom wrote down her response, and the child guessed: “Clean the cat litter.”
The environment was safe, friendly, and filled with laughter and vulnerability. Dustin and Jennifer also provided snacks and drinks.
We at Siksika Media and Communications wish Dustin and Jennifer the best with this incredible program!
Here is a statement from Dustin and Jennifer:
*“Roots & Resilience: A Family Journey is a unique family-based program that brings parents and children together through meaningful, hands-on activities rooted in Blackfoot culture. Led by Dustin Dick and Jennifer Calf Robe, the program runs once a week and focuses on reconnecting families in a fun, supportive, and culturally grounded space.
Designed to shift families away from screens and toward shared experiences, Roots & Resilience encourages parents and children to learn side-by-side—creating moccasins, medicine pouches, and miniature tipis, playing trust-building games, and engaging in group discussions about emotions, teamwork, and values.
Each session also weaves in Blackfoot language, teachings from Elders, and community storytelling to help families deepen their cultural identity. This is not just a program for kids or adults—it’s a shared journey. It’s about finding common ground, exploring interests together, and building strong family bonds through time, creativity, and culture.”*
Thank you.
