Ksaahkomm Aaapio’tokann (Mother Earth’s Teachings)
Date
2026
Authors
Williams, Stephanie
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Abstract
This master’s project explores how Blackfoot land-based teachings can inform Child and Youth Care Counselling (CYCC) practice within a Western institutional setting. It was developed in collaboration with Niitsitapiwahsi (Indigenous Relations program) at Hull Services in Calgary, Alberta, through relational engagement with Elder Casey Eagle Speaker and Director Susan Bare Shin Bone. A narrative inquiry approach and a Two-Eyed Seeing framework guided the work and position Indigenous and Western knowledge systems as complementary. The four teachings of respect, resilience, humility, and forgiveness were shared by Casey through story and connection to the land. They are presented as living knowledge grounded in relational accountability, identity, and connection. The project also includes practical tools, including an arts-based representation and a framework for requesting cultural support. These teachings are not intended as a template beyond Hull Services, as they are nation-specific and were gifted within this context. However, the relational processes used in this project such as beginning with relationship, engaging community, reflecting continuously, and remaining open to tension may be applied in other settings. This work supports more relational and culturally grounded practice guided by Elder knowledge.