Sarcee (Tsuu T’ina)

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The Block

The central element of this block is a sinew-stitched, miniature horse effigy, adorned with brass bells and glass beads. It was created by Aboriginal artist Rocky Barstad in honour of his ancestors, who used this mode of transportation as they made their way southward from the sub-Artic. For the Tsuu T’ina, the horse is a symbol of freedom and prestige.

Chief One Spot of the Sarcee people in traditional dress at Teepee Village, Victoria Park... / Le chef One Spot du peuple des Sarcis porte des vêtements traditionnels dans le village Teepee du parc Victoria...
Chief One Spot
Siblings Alex and Linda One Spot of the Sarcee people, playing... / Alex One Spot et sa sœur Linda, de la tribu Sarsi, jouent...
Alex and Linda One Spot of the Sarcee people
The One Spot family of the Sarcee people: grandmother, great-grandmother and their grandchildren... / La grand-mère, l’arrière-grand-mère et les petits-enfants de la famille One Spot de la tribu Sarsi...
The One Spot family

Cultural Profile

The Tsuu T’Ina are a Dene people, originating from the Beaver First Nation group, which is located in the sub-arctic region. Their name, Tsuu T’ina, is an Athapaskan word for “a great number of people.” Near the end of the 17th century, the Tsuu T’ina migrated southward, settling in Kootisaw (“meeting of the waters”), the location of present-day Calgary. They became closely allied with their southern neighbours, the Blackfoot Siksiká. This alliance provided the Tsuu T’ina protection against attacks by other tribes. The Tsuu T’ina evolved into an individual and distinct people who have a reputation as peacemakers. They adopted much of the Blackfoot culture but maintained their own interpretation of military societies and the Sun Dance ceremony. Amongst the Blackfoot they were known as the Sarcee, which means “not good.”

The Tsuu T’ina adapted their culture and lifestyle in order to survive on the plains. The buffalo, because of its importance to the Tsuu T’ina, was highly respected. It was considered a gift of life that was sent to the people by the Creator, to provide shelter, clothing, food and tools. In terms of the Medicine Wheel, the Buffalo represents North; the direction of Wisdom, Knowledge and Renewal. Buffalo skulls possess great medicine and symbolize the animal’s power. Painting a buffalo skull requires much respect, and is a privilege granted only through a special ceremony. Today, such painted skulls serve as a reminder of the Tsuu T’ina traditional way of life and their connection to the land.

The majority of Tsuu T’ina First Nation people live on the Sarcee Reserve, just a few minutes drive southwest of Calgary. Each July they host their Annual Rodeo and Pow Wow in Bragg Creek. In a huge, wooden, tepee-like structure with open sides, drummers encircling large hide-covered drums beat out hypnotic rhythms and sing shrill, ululating songs. Dancers slowly enter the performance area wearing vibrant regalia that become a blur of colour as the dancing picks up momentum. The clothing is heavily decorated with feathers and exquisite beadwork, which is often laid out in geometric designs. Fringes hung with tinkling bells add their own enchantment to the music. Overall it is a feast for the senses and an empowering celebration of Tsuu T’ina culture.

Sponsor: Marcelle R. Clark, Irene H. Rachuk, Edgar A. Emond, in memoriam Bertha H. Emond, their mother | Photos courtesyFlickr