FNUniv Hosts the Inaugural International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute (ITIKI) Gathering

The week of August 19th brought numerous international academics, graduate students, Elders and knowledge keepers, Indigenous leaders, and guests to Saskatchewan as the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) hosted the inaugural International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute (ITIKI) Gathering at Ancient Spirals Retreat, located near Saskatoon and Whitecap Dakota Nation, SK.

ITIKI built upon the work that started at Brandon University in 1998 with Indigenous Elders and educators when they hosted the 11-day international gathering of “Voices of the Drum” Summer Institute.

Over 26 graduate students and guests from the University of Newcastle(Australia), the University of Waikato (New Zealand), the University of British Columbia (Canada), Cornell University (United States), and the University of Washington (United States) along with Elders, the campus oskâpêwis, helpers, and Knowledge Keepers from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and FNUniv, representing a rich tapestry of cultures and knowledges (Cree, Métis, Dene, Saulteaux, Maori, Aboriginal Australian, Dakota, Lakota, Stó꞉lō, and St’at’imc), arrived on August 18th to participate in an experiential land-based gathering. This event was designed to foster reciprocal exchanges and create an International Indigenous graduate student cohort, where all participants could learn, share, and implement their traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing.  The programming for the week was led by the Elders.  Lead Elder Shelley Belhumeur (Métis) and Maria Campbell (Cree/Métis) were integral to the creation of this gathering.  Other Elders and Knowledge Keepers involved were Roland Duquette (Cree), Felix Lockhart (Dene), Joseph Naytowhow (Cree), and Cheryl L’Hirondelle (Métis/Cree).

FNUniv President Jacqueline Ottmann and Mayor of Saskatoon Charlie Clark welcomed all involved in this inaugural event. Each day began with an opening prayer in circle where the day’s teachings, led by the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, campus oskâpêwis, and camp helpers unfolded. Participants listened and learned about the territory’s cultural and traditional teachings, such as preparing medicines, hide scraping, traditional hide tanning, and exploring the natural habitat of medicinal plants and bison. Chef Kirk Ermine prepared traditional foods that nourished the spirits and bodies of the participants.  Bison Shepherd’s Pie, Roast Bison, Elk Stew, Three Sisters Chili, Pemmican, Fry Bread, Bannock, Saskatoon Berry Cheesecake, and Fried Chokecherries were just some of the delicious foods that international students were able to try. Trips to Batoche National Historic Site and Wanuskewin Heritage Park were also a part of the program. 

Participants were encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the unique learning environment, a land-based gathering that offered a rare opportunity to connect with traditional Indigenous knowledges and practices. Part of the experience was to camp on the land (although many students chose to sleep in tipis) and be without the interruption of electronic devices for the duration of the gathering, which ended on Friday, August 23rd.

FSIN Vice-Chief’s Craig McCallum and Aly Bear provided closing remarks while participants shared their reflections and feedback on the first International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute Gathering. Participants were encouraged to submit to the Special Issue of Thrivance: Journal of Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing, and Doing dedicated to this inaugural gathering. 

Next year’s location for ITIKI was announced during the closing remarks, and University of Newcastle in Australia is thrilled to be the host for 2025.