By Shilo Clark
The Siksikatsiipowahsin Program brings together individuals of all ages from Siksika to learn the basic fundamentals and grammatical functions of the Blackfoot language in a non-academic fashion. This is a unique approach without the stress of assignments and exams. The participants sign up to sincerely learn Siksikaitsiipowahsin and walk away with a grasp of the writing system and broadens their Blackfoot vocabulary. The program is offered two days per week, Tuesdays Dr. Vivian Ayoungman instructs the writing system and Wednesdays Aitsipoyiiks (Blackfoot speakers) are invited to help provide an immersive environment. The participants are utilizing the skills acquired from day one to grasp the writing system and conversational aspects while Aitsiipoyiiks are encouraged to share in the language their life experiences, stories or reminiscence of the old people from their childhood.
Since the program’s inception in the Fall of 2024, approximately 40 Nation members have been inspired to continue building their foundational understanding of Siksikaitsiipowahsin. Other activities the Siksikaitsiipowahsin Program participated in are Beaver Bundle Ceremony, Big Smoke, Holy Hand Game and Buffalo Harvest. Fluent speakers are present to provide an immersive environment which is much needed to help establish the sounds of the language and to become familiar with what they are learning in the program.
The Siksikaitsiipowahsin program would like to thank the Blackfoot speakers who have shared our beautiful language:
Allan Stevens, Dale Lowhorn, Martin Heavy Head, Mildred Three Suns, Roanna Axe, Leanna Sleigh, Eugene Yellow Fly, Myrna Youngman, Faron Melting Tallow, Gwendora Bear Chief, Clement Leather, Eldon Weasel Child, Clayton Cutter, Angeline Ayoungman, Rufus Red Gun, Berry Yellowfly, Robert Big Tobacco, Randy Doore, Jenny Solway, Patrica Yellow Sun, Catherine Sleigh.
As the coordinator of the Siksikaitsiipowahsin Program the goal is to invite a variety of Aitsiipoyiiks to help with an immersive environment to the participants in ongoing sessions.
Kayihtsipimiohkitopi (Kent Ayoungman), Siksikaitsiipowahsin Program Coordinator.
