Programs & Funders
Cultural Capacity Building
Nihtaa Culture Connections
Funded through the City of Red Deer Housing Supports
Provide cultural support to Indigenous peoples, focusing on, but not inclusive of Metis peoples participating in Housing First programming at Shining Mountains.Provide cultural support to Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness who may require support services to help maintain housing through cultural (re)connection with Elders/Knowledge Keepers, and community cultural activities as they become available.
Collaborate with community agencies and housing programs to offer Indigenous cultural supports to participants through referrals to Elders/Knowledge Keepers, and community cultural activities as they become available.
Funded through the City of Red Deer Housing Supports
Provide cultural support to Indigenous peoples, focusing on, but not inclusive of Metis peoples participating in Housing First programming at Shining Mountains.Provide cultural support to Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness who may require support services to help maintain housing through cultural (re)connection with Elders/Knowledge Keepers, and community cultural activities as they become available.
Collaborate with community agencies and housing programs to offer Indigenous cultural supports to participants through referrals to Elders/Knowledge Keepers, and community cultural activities as they become available.
Michif Language teachings
Funded through the Metis Nation of Alberta - Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Over the years, as more and more Metis people come forward and claim their identity, there are few opportunities for continues Michif language teachings locally. Shining Mountains has been collecting a list of those interested in Michif language teachings.
Now is the time, as the Metis Nation forms into the Otipemiswak government, to ensure traditional language teachings are available locally. This funding would allow for 9 months of weekly teachings, while creating a community of MIchif speakers that can practice with each other and bring our language to life.
Funded through the Metis Nation of Alberta - Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Over the years, as more and more Metis people come forward and claim their identity, there are few opportunities for continues Michif language teachings locally. Shining Mountains has been collecting a list of those interested in Michif language teachings.
Now is the time, as the Metis Nation forms into the Otipemiswak government, to ensure traditional language teachings are available locally. This funding would allow for 9 months of weekly teachings, while creating a community of MIchif speakers that can practice with each other and bring our language to life.
Cultural Teachings
Shining Mountains offers a series of cultural workshops around Indigenous cultures, traditions, and cultural sensitivity. These teachings are lead by our Executive Director Raye St. Denys, done in person and at your location.
Cultural Series
1st in Series: Overview of Aboriginal People in Canada and Alberta
2nd in Series: First Nations
3rd in Series: Métis People
4th in Series: Values, Ethics and Beliefs
5th in Series: Elders, Traditions and Protocols
6th in Series: Working with Culture
7th in Series: Creating Cross Cultural Teams
Indigenous Awareness Workshops
Cultural Series
1st in Series: Overview of Aboriginal People in Canada and Alberta
- Timeline of migrations and colonization
- Languages
- Contributions
- Description of nations and delineation of bands
- Demographics
- Three main nations and attendant lifestyles
- History of treatment and de-mystification
- Common myths and misconceptions
- Reserve and settlement locations
- Status, Non-Status, Métis and Inuit
2nd in Series: First Nations
- Impact of Indian Act
- Treaties
- Art and Storytelling (literature) (view pieces/audio/storyteller guest)
- Language
- Laws
- Indian Renaissance
- Contemporary developments – Prophecy: “Eagle has Landed”
- Relevant Issues
- Relevant legislation
3rd in Series: Métis People
- History
- Who are Métis
- Impacts and Contributions
- Symbols
- Contemporary Developments
- Relevant Legislation
- Important Dates
4th in Series: Values, Ethics and Beliefs
- Compare and contrast with non-aboriginal belief systems
- Aboriginal Values Framework
- Family structure
- Code of Ethics
- Inherent values of the Sacred Circle
5th in Series: Elders, Traditions and Protocols
- Elders, - First Nations, Métis and Inuit
- Roles of Elders
- Approaching Elders
- Traditional healing methods and ceremonies
- Pipe Ceremony
- Sweat Lodge
- Round Dance
6th in Series: Working with Culture
- What is Culture
- Valuation and Devaluation
- Characteristics Comparison in Context of Cultures
- Phases of Cultural Awareness
- Spiral of Discrimination
- Degrees of assimilation
- Common differences within populations and among age groups
- Measuring and responding to differences
7th in Series: Creating Cross Cultural Teams
- Cross Cultural Challenges
- Developmental Stages for Cross Cultural Teams
- Advantages of Cross Cultural Teams
- Concerns for Cross Cultural Teams
- Communication Style
- Inflection and tone
- Response time
- Non-verbal communication (eye contact, body language, etc.)
- Respect
Indigenous Awareness Workshops
- Messengers – an Indigneous program of Health and Sexual Health prevention and education
- PeyWapun – an Aboriginal option for conflict resolution training
- Happiness Skills – teaching the skills necessary to create one’s own happiness
- Peace Keeping – Aboriginal skills program for violence prevention
- Youth Journey Teaching – HIV awareness for youth
- Metis Music – HCV prevention and education