The Lodgepole Center

Casey Eagle Speaker, also known as Sorrel Horse, is a respected Blackfoot Elder from Kainai Nation / Blood Tribe. Casey was taken from his family at just four years of age and placed in a residential school until the age of 14. Casey is now the lead Elder for a number of organizations including AUArts, he is the Indigenous Resource Coordinator for Hull Services, and he is also the Chair of the Wisdom Council for Alberta Health Services. He provides traditional counseling, supports, guidance, and ceremony for students, staff, families, and individuals, he is passionate about equality for all people, and he believes artists are valuable story tellers.

Edmee Comstock is the youngest of 17 children and is now a great grandmother and respected Métis Elder. Edmee comes from the Bruce clan of the Red River Colony and wears her Métis sash with great pride. Edmee was also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work in the community in 2012. Edmee generously shares her cultural teachings, Michif language, and history through various educational outreach programs for youth and families and her welcoming spirit encourages everyone to forgive, and to always help others.

Linda Brass is a kokom and respected Elder who was born and raised in Calgary. Her Cree name in English is Ocean Woman. Linda has been sharing teachings and ceremony from the Midewiwin (Anishinaabek) Lodges for over 30 years. Linda generously shares her cultural teachings and provides support to individuals and families through a number of programs including Hull Services Braiding the Sweetgrass program, Miskanawah, the United Way, the Alex Community Food Centre, and AUArts Elder Council.

Darryl Brass Jr. (Peepeekisis First Nation, SK) is Linda Brass’ son and also shares teachings of the Midewiwin (Anishinaabek) Lodges.  In November 2018, Darryl Brass Sr. passed on into the spirit world and left the teachings for his family to carry on. Since Darryl Sr.’s passing, Darryl Jr. and Linda Brass have been working together through various organizations within the Calgary region, offering cultural understanding, guidance, ceremony, and support around intergenerational healing.

Ruth Scalp Lock, also known as Awo Taanaakii, Shield Woman, was born on the Siksika First Nation east of Calgary, her father Blackfoot, her mother Cree.  Ruth’s traditional name, Awo Taanaakii, recognizes her role as a protector to women and children and Ruth established a Native Women’s Shelter in Calgary called Awo Taan Healing Lodge, Awo Taan, meaning shield.  While Ruth was raised in her traditional culture, as a young child she was placed in Indian Residential School, where she suffered much abuse, leading to years of addiction and violence.  In 1974, she experienced a spiritual reawakening and chose a healing path.  Ruth is a healer, community builder, leader, author, and respected Elder.

Francis Melting Tallow, Mi'kotsi Stamik, was born in 1936 on the Siksika Nation to Matthew and Nancy Melting Tallow. His father was from Kainai, his mother Siksika. His childhood name was Bluebird, and later in life, he was given the name Red Bull. Francis was raised by his uncle, Jack Big Eye, which lead to his lifelong love for ranching and rodeo and a strong foundation in traditional culture. Through ranching, rodeo and coal mining in the Siksika area, Francis also learned English.  When Francis attended Crowfoot Residential School from 1942-1954, his traditional background and command of the English language prepared him to be an interpreter and leader among his friends and schoolmates. Francis lives with his wife Ruth Scalplock , has six children, more than twenty grandchildren, and continues to have many horses.  Francis wants to see a world where there is a real awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and history, the effects of colonialism, and a time where Indigenous and Western ways live together.

Paul Daniels is Iyarhe Nakoda (E-yah-hey Nah-kot-ah) and a member of the Bearspaw (Oh-zin-jah Thee-ha) band. His traditional Nakoda name translates to Three White Buffalo Calves Spirit. Paul is a spiritual leader in the community, began his Nakoda teachings at a young age, was transferred rights as a holder of the pipe, sun dance, and sweat lodge, and is knowledgeable on the traditional practices and medicines of the Stoney Nakoda people.  Paul has also been involved with the Wisdom Council of Alberta Health Services and Braiding the Sweetgrass offered through Hull Child and Family Services.