Audio of pronunciation by Jeff Cappo from Muscowpetung First Nation
About the Project
The Normanview Residents Group Inc., a registered non-profit community association, partnered with the City of Regina to complete a unique project in Ken Jenkins Park (210 McIntosh Street).
The project began on Sunday, September 15, 2024, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 4.
Guided by Elders Sharon Agecoutay from Cowessess First Nation and Diane Kaiswatum from Piapot First Nation, the project — Grandfather Teachings – omosōmimāw okiskinwahamākēwina in Cree — includes a medicine wheel with four distinct colours and an information board that details the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility and Truth.
A Space for Reflection and Learning
The site features Aspen trees, Saskatoon berry shrubs and benches, creating a welcoming space for reflection, learning and community gathering.
It’s located near Regina’s newest francophone school, École du Parc, the Ken Jenkins Park playground and a multi-use pathway.
The Medicine Wheel
At the heart of the site is a medicine wheel featuring four distinct colours. The teachings represented by the wheel have been passed down through generations in Indigenous culture.
North – White:
- Represents the moon, nighttime and the element of earth.
- Symbolizes wisdom, clarity and the teachings of the Elders.
East – Yellow:
- Represents the rising sun, new beginnings and the element of air.
- Symbolizes vitality, freshness and youthful energy.
South – Red:
- Associated with the midday sun, summer and the element of fire.
- Embodies strength, passion, courage and the peak of life.
West – Black (Blue):
- Signifies the setting sun, dusk and the element of water.
- Represents introspection, stillness and the unconscious.
- Many First Nations use the colour black to represent these themes. After advice from the Elders guiding the project, blue was chosen as it is more representative for the Cree community in this area.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Wisdom – Beaver
The Grandfather Teachings are brought to life through our personal family values and experiences.
Love – Eagle
To love oneself, others and all of creation.
Respect – Buffalo
To honour all of creation, including all living things and the natural world.
Courage – Bear
To face challenges with integrity and make positive choices, even when difficult.
Honesty – Sabe (Sasquatch)
To live authentically and truthfully, both in actions and words.
Humility – Wolf
To understand one’s place in the world and recognize that all beings are interconnected and equal.
Truth – Turtle
To seek and speak the truth in all things in honour of the Grandfather Teachings.
Site Pictures
Project Partners and Sponsors
This project was made possible through the support and collaboration of community partners and sponsors:
City of Regina
NRG
Affinity
Access Communication Children’s Fund
Sask Lotteries
Sask Culture
