SACRED WHITE BISON FOOTPRINTS
INTRODUCTION:
The Sacred White Bison Footprints is a [Stoney Nakoda First Nation] Indigenous-owned & led independent Tourism Company. Offering unique & first-hand experiences to visitors. Elder Una Wesley’s vision to re-ignite meaningful connections with Mother Earth through Stoney/Iyahey Nakoda Traditional Methods.
Residential School Survivor & Elder Una Wesley (White Bison Woman) - Co-Founder & Cultural Historian
Una grew up in residential school starting at age 7. Her grandparents told her to stand on her own two feet and stand up for herself - words that have shaped her life. Una was born and raised on the Morley Reserve. She had one daughter who recently passed away in October last year. She had three grandchildren - one who was murdered in 2016.
She attended Prairie High School in Three Hills Alberta. She completed two years of a three year program in Education at the University of Calgary. She went on to complete a four year program at Portage College in Lac La Biche. Una also completed Nechi Training in Edmonton Alberta where she received certificates for training in counseling, addictions, education and business.
Elder Una has worked for 12 years at the Eagles Nest Women’s Shelter in Morley. She was also involved in tribal politics, serving as the first female Chief in Treaty 7 territory. For 4 years she was a councillor for the Bearspaw First Nation along with the esteemed position as Chief for her nation. Elder Una has danced in 17 sundance’s and learned how to tan hides from her mother late Lily Wesley. She looks forward to sharing Stoney techniques.
Granddaughter Tasina Pope/Iya Toh Wiyah (Blue Mountain Woman) - Cultural Camp Operations Director
I am an Indigenous Veteran having served under 6 six years within the Royal Canadian Navy and a proud Wife and Mother. Currently, the Director of Operations for Sacred White Bison Footprints, having assisted Elder Una with her vision to be brought forward to share her knowledge since at one point in Canada's History Practicing Traditional Nakoda Hide Tanning method and process was considered illegal.
Having a high unemployment rate I saw the Entrepreneurial route to address the need through the Indigenous Tourism Industry. With Year-Round unlimited Foreign Visitors travelling to the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Kananaskis area) and surrounding Provincial Parks; I wanted to shift their focus and come to the Morley reserve one of three reserves belonging to Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
Sharing Indigenous Knowledge and Learning from my Elder has benefited me enormously & firmly believe others will benefit from Elder interactions. Learning about the 7 Sacred Teachings the Stoney/Iyehay Nakoda Way from a Hereditary Chief will speak to the humility and resilience of Indigenous Culture & Traditions.
Enjoy your visit here in Treaty 7 Territory!
Granddaughter Tamara Brass/Iya Siya Wiyah (Red Mountain Woman) - Cultural Camp Programs Coordinator
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My name is Tamara and I am the granddaughter to Elder Una. I will occasionally be assisting with the Sacred White Bison Footprints deliverance of programs and services. Enjoy the land but please be respectful.
I will be welcoming our Visitors and Participants to my Grandmother's/Inkuskin's - Elder's on-reserve residence. preparing the Lone Wolf & Golden Eagle Cultural Camps, hosting the StoryTelling & Talking Circles near our Teepees and Trappers Tents. During the Nights a bonfire will be lit for entertainment purpose engaging in Story-telling, please respect the process to tell our Stories authentically.
Welcome and Enjoy your visit in Treaty 7 Territory!
Murphy Powderface - Maintance & Cultural Camp Supervisor
Residential Day-School Survivor and have been involved with my community through the Stoney Tribal Administration Security Department offering services ranging from monitoring and protecting area and equiptment.
I hope to offer my experience as a Stoney/Iyahey Nakoda man from Storytelling to Cultural Camp supervision.
