Community to celebrate second annual Blackfoot Winter Solstice

Lethbridge residents are invited to connect with Blackfoot culture and traditions on Saturday, December 21.

The Cavendish Farms Centre will once again host the Blackfoot Winter Solstice. The celebration recognizes and pays respect to the Blackfoot community in the form of a dedicated Indigenous art display and ceremony with local Indigenous leaders.

Winter Solstice occurs every year on December 21, marking the shortest day of the year. It is significant to Blackfoot people as they acknowledge and respect the coming home of the sun.

Renowned Indigenous artist Api’ soomaahka William Singer III will continue the Lethbridge Winter Count. Established in 2023, the Winter Count is a historical record written on an animal hide using paint and pictographs. It captures environmental details and significant events in Lethbridge.

Elder Ninnaa Piiksii Mike Bruised Head will oversee much of the ceremonies, including a traditional Blackfoot smudge and sharing stories of the Winter Solstice that highlight meaning, significance and purpose.

All residents and visitors are welcome to join the celebrations on the second-floor mezzanine of the Cavendish Farms Centre throughout the day’s events. 

“We’re excited to welcome the community to the Blackfoot Winter Solstice,” says Jennie Sudo, Recreation and Culture Partnership Strategist. “What better way to celebrate the changing of the season than to gather for traditional ceremonies? And I’m excited to see what events are added to this year’s Lethbridge Winter Count!” 

The schedule of events on December 21 includes: 

• 10:45 a.m. Introduction & Smudging
• 11:30 a.m. Story telling
• 12:15 p.m. Winter Count
• 1:30 p.m. Drum & Dance
• 3 p.m. Traditional Games
• 5:45 p.m. Free Public Skate

There will also be a pipe ceremony at 4 p.m. outside City Hall. This event is for adults only.

Media Contact:
media@lethbridge.ca