Barry Ahenakew

Nêhiyawak Elder, Ahtahkakoop First Nation

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Interview Summary
Start Time	End Time	Topic
00:44	20:19	How did the Chiefs make decisions before treaties? different ‘Chiefs’ – Warrior Chief, Chief “not yet warriors” protocols of speaking in the Warrior Lodge – youngest to oldest responsibilities of Warriors responsibilities of Elders’ helpers expectations for behaviour on a buffalo hunt; need for discipline “One must think of the people as a whole.” Warrior Women – role of Chief of Warrior Women
20:10	53:31	Story of “Nihânîmis” who was gifted by the Thunderbirds Thunderbird Lodge Healing and wellness Chief Old Man Spirit, Chief Warrior and Chief Warrior Woman women’s roles in ceremonies Bear Spirit Directions Chief Warrior Woman – role, responsibilities, qualities/gifts (“a good lifestyle, good conduct, good thoughts, same as Warrior Chief”)
53:32	1:00:42	Story of the first human being and the creation of woman Creator – “Our language comes from him” children
1:00:43	1:04:09	What can young people take from going to university, something for them to think about? encouraging young people to “learn and understand” how things happened in the past, spirituality, ceremonies knowing how things happened in the past connects people to their identity risk to the people if they don’t know their past
1:04:10	1:20:45	Story about the “white berries that have a crown” knowledge of death ceremonies around death and burial, Ghost Dance Bundle Grandfather Spirit, Ghost Rock Spirit, Cold Spirit, Grandmother Spirit
1:20:46	1:24:45	Commentary on these stories, “we are close to losing them” Our stories will bring life, a way for a parent to teach their children”
1:24:46	1:27:16	Story about how the world began destruction of the world how life started again “where Wesakechak came to be”
1:27:17	1:30:52	Education is good, but “don’t forget where you were born . . . who you are from” giving thanks role of helpers, importance of helpers – “Those are the keepers of laws, how to live a good life”

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