STAWATSIMAANI
Kainaiwa Children's Service Corporation
P: 403-737-2900
Prevention and Support Programs Manager and Provincial Contracts Programs Manager
pwadsworth@kainaicsc.com
The Inniipooka (Buffalo Child) Program began in 2001 as a pilot project to support Blood Tribe children in foster care within the Edmonton area. Developed with guidance from Blood Tribe Elders, the program provides education and cultural support to both children and their foster families.
Its goal is to help Blood Tribe children learn about their history, values, customs, and language — fostering pride, respect, and connection to their community. Foster parents also gain a deeper understanding of Blackfoot culture, helping children stay connected to their identity.
Guided by Kainayssini, the program has provided cultural teachings over the years, with many children receiving traditional names from members of our Sacred Societies
We meet every month at the Parkdale School Gym for activities, learning, and community connection. Each session focuses on a different topic from our workplan, including:
These gatherings provide cultural learning and opportunities for families to connect and support one another.
The CFS South Region, in partnership with Kainaiwa Children’s Services, provides a Blackfoot Language and Culture Program for Blood Tribe children in care and their caregivers.
The program’s goal is to share knowledge and teachings of Blackfoot history, culture, land, language, and traditional ways of life. Guided by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural facilitators, the program offers hands-on learning through cultural activities, land-based experiences, language lessons, and arts and crafts.
Activities are held twice a month on Saturdays, with occasional sessions on Sundays, in both the Blood Reserve and Lethbridge areas. This program provides children with a valuable opportunity to learn about their Blackfoot identity, culture, and heritage.
The goal of the Indigenous Foundational Training program is to provide participants with knowledge and awareness that will strengthen their cultural understanding and inspire continued learning on their journey toward deeper cultural connection.
This program offers cultural teachings about Kainai heritage, an introduction to the Blackfoot language, and information about the Kainai people and community.
Foundational Blackfoot culture training for staff, agency partners, and caregivers.
