I am grateful for the contributions of Josh Littlechild and Elder Fernie Marty to this post.
As leaves turn to a mosaic of fall colours of September/Nôcihito-pîsim/ Mating Moon/Apiptskaatosi, the 雅伎著 community stands on historic territory that echoes with the voices of peace. The Cree word "Wîtaskiwinihk," the root word for peace, is “Witaskiw” and the Blackfoot word "Innaihtsiisin” offers us connections to a legacy of reconciliation and understanding that echo beyond the beautiful canvas of our campuses. On Sept. 21, as the International Day of Peace (Wetaskiw-Kisikaw) is commemorated around the world, these words and their meanings hold a special resonance for us, those of us who study and work at the U of A.
Here at the U of A, the acknowledgment of the International Day of Peace becomes a moment to reflect on both the global and local dimensions of peace. In Alberta, the long-standing peacemaking traditions between the Nehiyaw Iwiniw “Cree People/Four Souls People” and Niitsitapi "Blackfoot/Real People”, encapsulated by "Wītaskiwinihk" – a place of peace – and exemplified by "nistoo," guide us to honour the strong foundation of mutual respect and coexistence. These Indigenous principles/natural law offer us a unique and valuable perspective as we pursue our own paths toward understanding, Wetaskiw and Unity/Wicehtowin (Cree)/Siksikaitspi (Blackfoot) within our community.
The peace that was established between the Nehiyaw Iwiniw (Cree People/Four Souls People) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot/ Real People) nations, before the numbered treaties with the Crown (okimâwastotin/ Natoypoyiss) and the Pipe (Ospwâkan/aahkóinnimaan), is narrated through history and Oral traditions (Acimowin) within Treaty 6 (Ostêsimâwasinahikan nikotwâsik) and Treaty 7 (Nitáyó’p) territories. This peace is all the more impressive when we consider the tense (Sitamahcihowin-wahkotowin/ ikííhtsimaan ) relations that once existed between the nations (Peyakoskanesiwak). They chose peace over conflict (Nôtintiwin/Ipo’tamiapikssattsiiyi) for compelling reasons, from the necessity of survival (Paspîwin/Ikamotaa) and the acknowledgment of shared threats (Macîsotamawew/ohkáamat) to the realization (Moyehcikewin) that trade (Atâmiowak) and cooperation (Wicewâkanihtowîn) would bring prosperity (Miyopaywin) unparalleled by the outcomes of struggle (Wawaskawew). Through meaningful dialogue (Metâwewin), the sacredness of ceremony (Asichikewin), and strategic alliances (Wîtaskîwin), peace was reached, signalling that even the most challenging (Mawinêhotowak) disputes can be engaged with a peaceful heart (Wîtaskîwin miteh) and mind (Miyo-Mamitoneyichikan).
Elder (Kehte aya) Fernie Marty shared an experience he had approximately three years ago. The experience included a pipe ceremony at the Telus Field in Edmonton (Amiskwaciwaskihikan) and provides a poignant reflection on these values. At this ceremony, held for the recognition and renewal of the peace treaty in Wetaskiwin, a tale distinct from the colonial narrative emerged—a narrative of kinship (Wahkohtowin) and shared future (Miyowatamowin). Elder Fernie recalled, “It was recounted how the admiration for the Cree people, notably the men’s horse (mistatim) riding skills, of a Blood Tribe woman (iskwewak/Akii) served as a catalyst for Wetaskiw. The chiefs realized that war was no longer an option when they considered that their grandchildren were the embodiment of the Nehiyaw Iwiniw (Cree People/Four Souls People) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot/Real People) union, the result of positive interactions.” This alternative perspective eschews the notion of a peace founded solely on a singular, pivotal act—such as the smashing of a pipe with only one remaining to smoke—and instead highlights the gradual intertwining of communities and the shared responsibility for the ensuing generations.
In our contemporary context (Anoch), the spirit (Ahcâhk) of this historical peace provides relevant guidance as we navigate the complex social landscapes of our time. The precedents set by the Cree (Neyhiyaw) and Blackfoot (Nittsiapy) are more than historical footnotes; they act as beacons of hope (pakoseyimowin), illuminating paths toward resolutions (Maskwaweyihitamowin) that honour (kiteyihtâkowin) mutual respect (Katawak) and constructive exchange (meskotona). These Acimowin remind us that Wetakiw is not merely the absence of conflict, but Wetaskiw is born (nihtâwikiw) from the deliberate actions of understanding (Nisitohtamowin) and collaboration.
As the vice-provost (Indigenous Programming & Research), I am continually inspired by our location on territories marked by histories of diplomacy, before settler colonization. As members of the university, whether educators, students, or community members, we have an incredible opportunity to learn from the contributions of the Nehiyaw Iwiniw (Cree People/Four Souls People) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot/Real People) to the ethos of peace. By recognizing and valuing these traditions, I invite you to commit yourselves to nurturing a future that treasures negotiation (Nakinikewin), empathy (Wîsakeyitamostamawew), and intercultural understanding (Nistohatamowin).
We are called to a collective effort to weave the lessons from the past into the fabric of our present relationships. In doing so, we contribute to a living legacy of peace that, with hope and dedication, will continue to flourish for generations to come on this shared ground of "Wîtaskiwinihk."
Dr. Florence Glanfield
Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming & Research)
How might you recognize the International Day of Peace?
- Learn more about the history of these lands by reading Doug Cuthand’s 2022 Star Phoenix , which discusses the peace treaty between the Cree and the Blackfoot or an example of the narrative about the pipe is shared as part of the City of Wetaskiwin's .
- Participate in events connected to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, 2025.
- Participate in local activities shared on the website, including the U of A-hosted : From Local to Global: Mobilizing for Human Rights Through International Mechanisms.
- Expand your language learning by exploring the online or dictionaries.