Calgarians came together over the noon hour on March 27 to take part in the Ani to Pisi Spiderweb Enactment at the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
Ani to Pisi, a Blackfoot creation story, teaches that all people are connected like a spiderweb and should support one another. Participants moved together on the beat of a drum, forming a human web to show unity.
“It’s a story about connection,” said Lexi Towns, a Mount Royal University student who helped organize the event. “It reminds us to learn from Indigenous people and take part in reconciliation.”
The idea, according to Towns, came from Elder Roy Bear Chief, who imagined people forming a human spider web.
“Not everything goes perfectly,” Towns said. “But like a spiderweb, things happen naturally,”
The location of the event holds special meaning, said Blair Cunningham, Indigenous Cultural Development Coordinator at The Confluence “This area is very significant,” he said. “And it is also the future site of a residential school memorial.”
Volunteer John Nishimura said events like this are important for learning.
“As settlers, it is our duty to learn about the history and experiences of Indigenous people,” Nishimura said.
Towns said she hoped the event would stay with the participants long after they packed up to go back to work or home.
“If one person found meaning or understanding, then it’s a success.”
