On May 31st, the Indigenous Advisory Circle of TLSN held a traditional Feast at Box H Farm, home of TLSN members Laura and Mark Hoimyr. It was incredible to watch Knowledge Keeper Shirley Wolfe-Keller in her element, cooking seven pots of soup on camp stoves and an open fire with the help of Buck, Joeanne, and many others. As Shirley said, “everyone was able to work together in a good, balanced way – men, women, older ones, younger ones – everyone did something. I had no idea I would be blessed with so many hands that were so ready to work. It was a beautiful time.”
We were grateful to have Pipe Carrier Alvin Francis step in to lead the ceremony in place of Larry Oakes, who was unable to join us. Larry’s son Logan joined Alvin as his helper. Nina Wilson generously shared knowledge and explained protocols to everyone present as the Feast was served by Robert, Russ, Mitchell, and Josh. In Shirley’s words, “The day fell into place as if it had been rehearsed for hours. It wasn’t. The roles of everyone there were nicely tasked, at the moment required, with satisfaction and great respect. Everyone was meant to be there.”
We were joined by a number of neighbouring ranchers from the area as well as friends from the National Farmers Foundation, Heritage Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Archeological Society, and Regeneration Canada. Three generations of the Hoimyr family were present to welcome us to their farm and show us around the incredible part of the world they call home.
It was a hot and hazy 30-degree day, and our thoughts were with all of the northern communities forced from their homes by wildfires. We need more than ever to come together to care for land and one another.
If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of Feasts and how this one came to be, you can read Shirley Wolfe-Keller’s reflections on the ceremony here.
We are grateful for the support of the Ministry of Government Relations' First Nations and Métis Relations Unit, the United Church of Canada, and Affinity Credit Union toward this gathering.
