Culture and Language

Culture and Language

Overview

“Cree Way of Life”

ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ   ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ    ᐊᐧᑎᐦᑲᐧᐣ

Unity through Culture is another of our Nation’s strategic priorities. Through the workers’ dedication and diligence, this priority has been advanced via numerous programming activities and gatherings.

In promoting connection to spirit, to the land, the language, and to ceremony in our community of maskekosihk (the land of the medicines), we recognize the importance of mâmawohkamâtowin (everyone working cooperatively). Through mutual community support and partnerships, we can

create safe spaces for our people to come together to learn, to share, and to grow.

Through our collective efforts, we honour our ancestors whom walked these lands before us, while preparing the way for our descendants yet to come.

The nehiyaw pimâtisiwin branch aims to provide safe spaces for gathering, learning, spiritual growth, connection and collaboration. Additionally, support for the community is a priority and is provided through financial supports, mentorship, partnerships and nurturing our relationships with one another.

Contact

  • Shelley Morin Senior Manager - nehiyaw pimâtisiwin watihkwan 587-785-9370 Show Email

Programs

maskekosihk nehiyawewin

maskekosihk nehiyawewin

The department’s primary focus is to guide and support maskekosak (the people of Enoch) in nehiyaw pimâtisiwin (the Cree way of life). We aim to achieve this through year round cultural services, programs, and activities; all of which is readily accessible to all Enoch Nation members.

There are many specific cultural services and programs that the maskekosihk nehiyawewin Department provides to the community. Some of the key services and programs include: nehiyaw maskihkiy (Traditional Medicines): knowledge, harvesting, gathering, maintenance and sharing of medicines; ceremonial supports; education & learning spaces (Cree language, traditional teachings); kiskinohamâsohkîmowin (Guidance & Support): creating a safe space for community to come together to learn and talk about culture; mentorship and support.

The maskekosihk nehiyawewin Department is located in the Enoch Sub administration building and helps to oversee the operations and maintenance of the Enoch Powwow Grounds and the Enoch Traditional Grounds (old powwow grounds).

Contact

  • Sandra Alexander Manager 780-710-9871 Show Email
maskekosihk kehteyayak (Elders)

maskekosihk kehteyayak (Elders)

The department’s mission is to restore, renew, and reinforce our language, culture, ceremonial and traditional practices. Maskekosak recognizes the need to acknowledge and employ the abundant wisdom and knowledge from all Maskekosihk Kehteyayak. This is achieved with focus on meeting the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the Kehteyayak by planning, coordinating, organizing, and implementing programs and services that reflect their needs and interests. Services and programs administered by the department include: financial supports for elders, transportation support, social activities and gatherings, nutrition support, and monthly meetings with elders.

The Maskekosihk Kehteyayak Department is located in the Elders Centre building, office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Contact

  • Twylla Ward Acting Manager 780-470-4515 Show Email
Our Lady of Mercy Church Foundation

Our Lady of Mercy Church Foundation

The department provides support for the Nation’s spiritual and religious needs and provides the following services and supports: weekly Catholic mass, pastoral counselling, preparation for sacraments (baptisms, first communion, catechism, marriage preparation), quarterly parish council meetings, planning and coordinating funerals, spiritual retreats (cursillo, pilgrimage), and providing space for cultural activities/ceremonies.

The Our Lady of Mercy Church is located along the east side of highway 60.

Our Lady of Mercy – Enoch – Roman Catholic Parish in Enoch, Alberta

Contact

  • Kelly Morin Manager 780-919-9189 780-470-3021 Show Email
wâhkôtowin – Community Gatherings & Consultation

wâhkôtowin – Community Gatherings & Consultation

The program provides support for the Nation’s gatherings and collaborative partnerships within and external to the Enoch Cree Nation. The program works to collaborate and consult with many departments and programs in the Nation to plan, coordinate and deliver community events and activities, which include: consultation and engagement with archives and treaty organizations on relationships, annual treaty day celebrations, annual pow-wow gatherings, culture camps, cultural ceremonies, seasonal gatherings (family day gatherings, elders, healing, etc), and the annual Christmas hamper distribution.

The Wahkotowin Program is located in the Sub Administration building.

Contact

  • Lorraine Makokis Manager 780-720-1540 Show Email