COMMUNITY FUTURES TREATY SEVEN
Indigenous Elder & Cultural
Learning Program
Seven video sessions with Treaty 7 Elders covering language, history, protocol, and reconciliation. Built for employment centre staff, employers, and Indigenous job seekers across Treaty 7 territory.
7
VIDEO MODULES
6
TREATY 7 ELDERS
Elder-Signed Certificate
160
Reflection Points
welcome to the program
Learn About The Program Before You Begin
An opening message from Elders and CFT7 to set the tone for what you are about to experience.
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps to complete the program
1
Register for the program
Complete your registration and set up your account in one step. You'll receive access instructions by email.
2
Complete the modules
Work through all seven video modules at your own pace within two weeks. Each includes a knowledge check before and after the video.
3
Attend the Day of Inclusion
Join the full-day gathering in Calgary with all employment centre staff. Certificates of Treaty 7 Cultural Excellence are presented in person, signed by all six Elders.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Built for two audiences
Both paths are grounded in the same Elder teachings.
The content is then tailored to fit each role.
Employment Centre Staff
Cultural awareness training for the 11 CFT7 Employment Centres across Treaty 7 territory.
7 modules | 3-week window
Employers / Service Providers
Build understanding of Indigenous cultural context to better support Indigenous employees in the workplace.
5 modules
Employer registration coming soon
The curriculum
Seven modules, filmed with six Elders
Each module opens with a knowledge check, features an Elder-led video, and closes with a reflection quiz.
7
VIDEO MODULES
6
ELDERS FEATURED
VIDEO MODULES
MODULE 1
Introduction
Betty-Ann, Colleen, Tom, Hank, Gerald, Duane
MODULE 2
Language
Tom, Hank, Colleen
MODULE 3
History
Betty-Ann, Gerald, Hank, Colleen
MODULE 4
Elder Protocols
Duane, Colleen, Betty-Ann, Tom
MODULE 5
Indigenous ways of knowing in the workplace
Duane, Gerald, Hank, Colleen
MODULE 6
Employee Retention
Betty-Ann, Tom
MODULE 7
Truth and Reconciliation Perspective today
Tom and Betty-Ann
MEET THE ELDERS
Guided by Grandparents from across Treaty 7
Both paths are grounded in the same Elder teachings.
The content is then tailored to fit each role.
Betty-Ann
Little Wolf
Anats-piiksaakii
Colleen
Runner
Aatsistaoma’ahka
Tom
Little Bear
Kah Toh Mahoka
Hank
Snow
Sûk hnutzâhâ
Gerald
Sitting Eagle
Piitaopi
Duane
Mistaken Chief
Kommonoi Naama’ahka
Betty Ann Little Wolf
Traditional name: Anats-piiksaakii
Piikani Nation
Betty Ann Little Wolf, known as Anats-piiksaakii, is a member of the Piikani Nation residing in Brocket, Alberta with her husband of 48 years. After 21 years as Native Liaison Counsellor at F.P. Walsh High School, she became a lifelong advocate for First Nation families and Blackfoot cultural identity. Betty Ann serves alongside her husband Morris on the National Elders Council of Canada and as a Knowledge Keeper for the Turtle Lodge Centre of Excellence. Her work advancing Blackfoot language and Indigenous strategy at Lethbridge Polytechnic earned her an Honorary Bachelor’s Degree, and she continues as an elder advisor and a lifetime member of the Buffalo Women's Society elder.
Colleen Runner-Waskewitch
Traditional name: Aatsistaoma’ahka
Tsuut'ina Nation
Colleen Runner-Waskewitch is an Elder from the Tsuut’ina Nation and is the Executive Director of Guest Services Resort-wide at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino since 2014. She attended the University of Lethbridge in 1981, however, her passion for hospitality was further strengthen when she finished certification of the Hospitality management program at SAIT in 2013. Colleen is passionate about building relationships with the citizens of Calgary, though her work in hospitality and in her personal life. When she is not at work you can find Colleen volunteering her time as Vice President on the Niitoiyis Family Support Society in Calgary. She has committed her time skills in helping those dealing with Indigenous woman rights and issues. She was the recipient of the Chief Daivd Crowchild award in 2020 and finalist for the Calgary’s Mayor’s White Hat Award in 2018. As a Tsuut’ina Nation Member, she has integral to the Grey Eagle resort and casino as a Tsuut’ina ambassador and plays a key role is the communication, promotion and representation of the Tsuut’ina People cultural and traditions. She also took responsibility of nurturing and training Tsuut’ina members who desire to have the hospitality experience.
Tom Little Bear
Traditional name: Kah-Toh-Mahoka
Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation)
Tom Little Bear was born on the Blood Tribe Reserve and raised traditionally by his maternal grandparents, Bob and Helen No Runner who were active participants in the Aakoka'tssinni (Big Circle Camp). Tom is a fluent Blackfoot speaker known as Kah-Toh-Mahoka (No Runner), Tom is a recognized “grandfather” for his spiritual and historical knowledge. He has served as an elected Blood Tribe Council member and works as a Supervisor for the Blood Reserve Bus Co-op. Tom provides Blackfoot language and cultural guidance to schools and organizations across Lethbridge, earning a 2024 Reconciliation Champion Award. He resides in Lethbridge with his wife Amanda and their children.
Hank Snow
Traditional Name: Sûk hnutzâhâ
Goodstoney Nation (Âba wathtech)
Hank’s Traditional name is Sûk hnutzâhâ (Swift Horse) and is a member of Goodstoney Nation residing in Mǐnî Thnî. Spending his life in Mǐnî Thnî and speaking fluent Mountain Nakoda as my first language. Maternal Grandparents were also known as Wapamakthe (Head hunters) they were active participants in the Little Bighorn Battle. Throughout his life he was taught by the community Elders about History, Culture, Ceremonies and Traditional Language. Hank served as an elected Goodstoney First Nation as a councillor for 16 years and facilitated Elementary, High School and youth hunt camps for Mînî Thnî for 30 years.
Hank was a cultural liaison for the Stoney Health Aboriginal Head Start program advocating Stoney linguists and culture. He resides in Mînî Thnî with his wife Iona along with their family and continue to serve the community as an elder liaison.
Gerald Sitting Eagle
Traditional name: Piitaopi
Siksika Nation
Gerald Sitting Eagle, known as Piitaopi, is a member of the Siksika Nation and an Indian Residential School survivor. Married 55 years with a large multigenerational family, Gerald's career spans court work, corrections, and six terms as an elected Siksika Councillor, alongside roles as Culture Education Director and Curator of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park. Since 1977, he has been a tipi owner at the Calgary Stampede's Elbow River Camp, representing Treaty 7. An accomplished powwow dancer and emcee, Gerald remains an active voice in Blackfoot cultural life and community gatherings.
Duane Mistaken Chief
Traditional name: Kommonoi Naama’ahka
Urban Rep (Calgary - Moh-kíns-tsis)
Duane Mistaken Chief is a Blackfoot Ceremony Grandfather (Aawaaahsskáta) from Kainai, internationally recognized as an expert, fluent speaker, and etymologist of the Blackfoot language. A former senior lecturer at Red Crow Community College and guest instructor at several universities, he holds degrees including a KPhD endorsed by Blood Tribe Elders and Chief for his research into Blackfoot language and lifeways. Duane developed the enduring Kiipaitapiiyssinnooni course and contributed to the book Blackfoot Ways of Knowing. He continues consulting, teaching, and storytelling work across Calgary, including award-winning voice, acting, narration animation and interactive projects.
READY TO
BEGIN?
REGISTER FOR THE COURSE
This video is for everyone in the workplace. It explores how fostering collaboration and mutual support leads to stronger teams, better retention, and a more inclusive environment for Indigenous employees.
TREATY 7 NATIONS
Stoney Nakoda Nation
Blood Tribe (Kainai)
Piikani Nation
Siksika Nation
Tsuut'ina Nation