Feast Protocol and Kit Demonstration

by the students of Oski-pimohtahtamwak otayisīniwiwaw

Next Monday, September 11th, our entire school is going to the Treaty 4 Feast at the powwow grounds. Our class spent a couple hours going from room to room explaining feast protocol and demonstrating what a feast kit entails. At first Mrs. Koops was explaining, but then she was called to the office.

Here's how Logan explains it: "Teach ditched the squad and wanted us to try a presentation on our own. Everybody said 'no' except me. It's always good experiencing new things. We're only young once."

 
"When I returned," said Mrs. Koops, "the art students and substitute teacher, Ms. Orban, were drilling my students with all sorts of questions and Michael Starr-Desnomie was answering from his family's teachings. Questions like, What if we don't like the food being offered? What if we're Hindu or Catholic? Who serves at the feast? What do we do with left-over feast food?" 

"The teaching protocol for the Monday feast was pretty good. I wasn't afraid to talk to the people that need to know what to bring and what to do when the food goes bad," said Michael. "Put the food near a tree or bush, making sure to tell them to put it facing the north side, telling people what to do with the food and always respect where you're at and that you can't refuse food that's given and prayed for."

"I was kind of nervous to speak when my teacher went to go get something from one of the other students," Michael continues. "I had to tell the other students what they need to know about the Treaty 4 feast. It was an honour to speak."

"While presenting the feast protocol I've learned things we're to do and not to do. It was interesting because I haven't been to one. Though I hardly spoke, I was still nervous. It was cool learning about it and I can't wait to see how it plays out on Monday. #newexperience" said Raven.

We handed everyone a letter to take home about the Treaty 4 Gathering and a little feast kit list of things not to forget. Below you'll find an invitation to the feast. Hope you can join us!

You are invited to the Treaty Four Traditional Feast, Monday, September 11^th, 2017, 12:00 noon at the powwow grounds.

Never been to a Traditional Feast?  Here's what you need to know:

·         Bring some food to share. One of the following would be great: soup, fruit, bannock, juice boxes. Please deliver by 11:45 to the announcer’s booth set up area. (Note. The school will be bringing food on behalf of our students attending.)

·         Bring a feast kit: carry away bag, multiple size plastic containers or jars with lids (for eating and take away), spoon, fork, knife, serviettes, plate, plastic bags, wipes if you like.

·         Blanket to sit on or a chair if you are elderly or unable to sit on the ground.

·         Women, wear long skirts or wrap around and do not sit crossed legged, but with knees to the side.

·         Selected young men will serve the food until it is all distributed.

·         Women sit together on one side and men sit together on the other side.

·         Women on their cycle (moon time) are asked to sit outside the circle to respect their power.

·         Ask about local protocol with left over feast food.

If you have questions that I can answer (from a newcomer’s or educator’s perspective), feel free to email me, sheena.koops@pvsd.ca or call at Bert Fox Community High School 306.332.4343.

Protocols used in consultation with Tracy Pasqua, Chair of 2016 Treaty 4 Gathering Events.