Piikanissini – The Piikani Way of Life

SIGNIFICANCE

Piikanissini encapsulates the customs, practices and protocols of Piikani culture. Piikani people have prospered under these types of traditional governance models of Piikanissini customary, natural and sacred laws since time immemorial.

ESSENTIAL

To ensure Piikani way of life, Piikanissini, a primary practice is to annually renew and celebrate in order to thrive. Piikanissini has sustained Piikani ancestors for countless generations, and we intend it to do so for generations to come as encapsulated through the traditional governance model.

Piikanissini encompasses all generations of Piikani People as well as the:

• Origins and past; current and future existence
• Creations and Napi Stories
• Territory Lands (natural resources and keystone species)
• Kinships (individual, family, community and our membership under the Blackfoot Confederacy)
• Post-Treaty Reserve (acknowledgement of eras)
• Blackfoot Language: sounds, words (including sign language, pictograph & petroglyphs), songs & music
• Blackfoot Names (power, identity, inheritance & honour)
• Connection to land, nature and its natural resources (Land, Water, Air, Animals, Plants & Vegetation/Eco-Systems)
• Alliances to Keystone Species
• Traditional & Modern Family Structure & Makeup (Men, Women & Children)
• Other traditional markings (tipi rings, Blackfoot markers, cairns, sacred and significant sites)
• Traditional and modern living spaces (encampments, homes, dwellings, tipi lodges, houses and community)
• Necessities for food, clothing, shelter, hunting, and gathering
• Kinship & Clans (family, community and nation relationships)
• Sources of Life such as beliefs, spirituality and practices (Sundance)
• Traditional Knowledge sources such as the Blackfoot Landmarks, Cosmos (Sky & Night Sky), & Stories
• Social, economic, and gathering events such as Feather Games, Round Dance, Pow-Wow, and traditional games
• Governance and leadership alliances, war parties and peace treaties
• Prominent leadership roles such as chief, spiritual leadership, medicine people, elders, warriors and Specialization
• Continued land, natural resource and ecosystem stewardship
• Accountability to future generations in preserving the Piikani way of life
• Pipe Ceremonies (sacred agreements and compacts)

PROPONENT

Respect that the Piikani are distinct and rich with heritage comprised of complete cultural customs, practices and beliefs referred to as Piikanissini.

Acknowledge that colonization occurred in Piikani Territory brought upon by European settlers and explorers, that include residential schools, industrial development, policy exclusion and arbitrary law created without Piikani involvement or consent. The Piikani adaptation and survival of these invasions is not submission or consent to freely develop the lands.

PROTOCOL

Acknowledge and adhere to the distinct identity, cultural customs and practices referred to as Piikanissini.

Ensure responsible development that reduces harm, loss, and impact to Piikanissini, the Piikani way of life.

The forced adaptation to colonial occupied land is not consent, and does not indicate acceptance, surrender or renouncing of the Piikani identity, Piikanissini, or land.