Belief System

SIGNIFICANCE

The Piikani Belief System has risen from the ontological reality that since time immemorial, Piikani origin, ways of knowing, and ways of being are inextricably linked to Piikani territorial lands.

ESSENTIAL

The Piikani place of origin, creation stories, ways of knowing, ways of being (referred to as Piikanissini) need to be upheld and remain available for current and future generations.

Equally important to the knowledge within the belief system is upholding the physical and spiritual connection to Piikani territorial lands, natural resources and intact ecosystems.

The Piikani Belief System is vital to the identity and Piikanissini (Piikani Culture). It has enabled, and will continue to enable, prosperity in all Piikani relations from past, current and future.

Napi and Kinship creation stories entrusted to the Piikani today imparts the significance of the land, water, and plants in our way of life.

An important example is the story of Napi’s Playground or Gambling Place. Landmarks within this story renew the birth, identity, and spirit of Piikani kinship with the land and The Great Spirit. This kinship lays the foundation to a thriving Piikanissini, Stewardship and Niitsitapi Spirit.

PROPONENT

To Acknowledge & Respect:

• Our Belief System
• Napi’s Playground or Napi’s Gambling Place Creation Story and other Napi’s stories.
• That in addition to the significant example of the Napi’s Playground or Gambling Place Creation Story, all our Stories establish integrated life and its significance within Piikani land.
• Colonial naming conventions used in defining settler boundaries within Piikani territory do not apply to the significant landmarks within all the stories that define the Piikani People.
• All landmarks within all the stories comprise Piikani ancestral territory.

PROTOCOL

Proponents must respect the Piikani Belief System and acknowledge that it establishes Piikani origin, territory, ways of knowing, and ways of being.