FAQ: What is Pokaiks and what does it mean?

Answer: Our Name, pronounced (POO_keks) is the Blackfoot word for The Children. It is very important to us because we received the name Pokaiks, in ceremony, from Elder Clarence Wolfleg, for our Orange Shirt Walk. This name was given to Clarence through prayer. It is a gift we are honoured to have

Sept 30, 2022 - recap

This year we partnered up with USAY (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth) to host our combined National Truth & Reconciliation Day events. Our event took place Friday September 30th, 2022 at Princes Island Park at the main stage, from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

As is true of every Truth and Reconciliation Day, this was a day to learn, grow, heal and take action as we commemorate, honour, reflect and move into a future where every child matters from the generations before to the ones to come.

We were extremely fortunate in 2022, as the weather was beautiful that day and we had an amazing turn out. Approximately 6000 people attended the walk. It was great to see how many people came out, and were rocking their own orange shirts! We also handed out a combined total of 1000 free bagged lunches supplied by both USAY and CIFRS

This year our theme was Take ReconciliACTION. One of our ways in helping people do that was to create a Truth & Reconciliation Activity passport, which contains 23 suggested ReconciliACTIONS that can be completed through out the year.

We had 40 Artisan tables, as well as 20 Community Organization Booths who created activities around the theme of Truth, Reconciliation and ReconciliACTION.

The Day started off with from Elder Clarence Wolf Leg sharing his story and giving a blessing. The event was cohosted by Colby Delorme, Jennifer Fournier and Dwight Farahat. Followed our commemorative walk around Princes’ Island.

Upon returning to the main stage a ReconciliACTION Panel took place. The panel included Deb Gopher Nehiyaw, Tony Snow, Michelle and Samantha Robinson and Sandra Sutter, they spoke on the subject of what is Reconciliation and what does it mean to them.

Throughout the day we heard the from Elder Rita Sweetgrass Fox about her experience in residential school, Rita was accompanied by Elder Joyce Healy. We also watched performances by drum groups Sober Crew, Sings Many Songs Women ,Wandering Tribe and Graham Rohan, they were joined by jingle dancers Dorriene proulx and Jesselle Simeon. Attendee’s and their kids were treated to a drumming/singing lesson from Chantal Chagnon, traditional dance lesson from Stacy D’silva and two spoken word pieces from Canada’s Poet Laureate Wakefield Brewster.

To close the day at the main event we heard from Elder Duane Mistakenchief, who shared his story and gave us our closing prayer.

Other parts of our all day event happening separately from the main event, our very own Marilyn Shingoose held a healing talking stick ceremony at Fort Calgary and later that same evening we hosted New Blood Theater Group who performed their play entitled “A Story of Reconciliation” to a sold out crowd!

We thank everyone involved in making this years event happen: USAY for allowing us to join up with them last minute, all the Elders who shared their stories and wisdom, the performers and speakers who bring healing energies and keep conversation about Truth and Reconciliation going, all volunteers with out their generous spirit for giving back to the community events like this would not be possible, our supporters and their generous donations, and finally we thank all of you who showed up to attend the event/walk. Each year as this event has taken on more momentum we can not help but be moved by the outpouring of support, healing and dialogue that is taking place. So again THANK YOU!

Photos by Albert Woo & Michelle Dinunzio