CFT7 CULTURAL EVENT
"The Bridge to Inclusion....Aaksistoiihkasi"
November 20th & 21st, 2025
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
1316 33 Street NE, Calgary (Plaza 3, 4 & 5)
Community Futures Treaty 7 (CFT7) is proud to host “The Bridge to Inclusion…Aaksistoiihkasi” Cultural Event on November 20 and 21, 2025 at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre.
This interactive cultural event supports diversity, equity, and inclusion for Indigenous persons. The event includes cultural activities, presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussion, networking, artisan tables, door prizes, fun, and food.
Seats are limited – register today!
Registration fee is only $175.00 p/p for both days, and includes 2 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, and an evening reception on November 20th.
SPEAKERS AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
- Grand Entry
- Cultural Ceremony
- Indigenous Equity and Workforce Development Action Plan Update: Sean McEwen, RealEyes Capacity Consultants
- Elder Presentation on the Power of Mentorship: Colleen Runner-Waskewitch
- In the Life of a Girl with Different-Abilities - Guest Speaker: Calleigh Morning Bull-Ben
- Panel Discussion: Supportive Employment and Success Stories
- USAY Cultural Camps and Collaborations
- Artisan Tables
- Hand Games
AGENDA
DAY 1 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Emcee - Tony Colabella
| 8:30 AM | Check In; Breakfast; Register for Hand Games; Grand Entry |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome Address; Elder Prayer |
| 9:15 AM | Cultural Ceremony / Blackfoot Confederacy Drum Group |
| 10:45 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM | Elder Presentation: Colleen Runner-Waskewitch - The Power of Mentorship |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch Break |
| 1:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Supportive Employment and Success Stories; Moderator Tony Colabella |
| 2:15 PM | Break |
| 2:30 PM | Panel Discussion Cont'd |
| 3:00 PM | Guest Speaker: Calleigh Morning Bull-Benn - In the Life of a Girl with Different Abilities |
| 3:30 PM | Break; Set up for Hand Games; Visit Artisan Booths; Networking |
| 4:30 PM | Hand Games with Kyle Snow and Gina Onespot; Food and Fun! |
| 7:30 PM | Evening Concludes |
DAY 2 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025
Emcee - Johnathon & Lenora
| 9:00 AM |
. |
| 9:30 AM | Welcome Address: Johnathon Red Gun |
| 9:45 AM | . Presentation: Jennifer Fournier - The Land Remembers: Nurturing Indigenous Youth and Honoring our Ancestors Through USAY Cultural Camps . |
| 10:45 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM | . Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) Awards: Tyson Wright, CFT7 . |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM |
. |
| 2:30 PM | Break |
| 2:45 PM | Closing Remarks; Survey: Door Prize Draw |
SPEAKERS
Johnathon Red Gun, CFT7
Emcee / Presenter
Sean McEwen, RealEyes Capacity
Presenter
Jennifer Fournier, USAY
Presenter
Tony Colabella
Emcee / Moderator
Gina Onespot
Hand Games
Kyle Snow
Hand Games
Colleen Runner-Waskewitch
Presenter
Calleigh Morning Bull-Benn
Guest Speaker
PANELISTS
Tony Colabella
Moderator
Rob St. Denis
Prairies Can
Stephen Wright
Gateway Association
Debbie Hay
Parks Canada
Shawna Morning Bull
CFT7
ENTERTAINMENT
Introduction to Indigenous Hand Games/Stick Games
Indigenous Hand Games, also known as Stick Games, are traditional guessing and strategy games played by many Indigenous communities across Canada. These games have been passed down for generations and serve as a form of entertainment, cultural expression, and community bonding. Played with sticks, bones, or other small objects, the game typically involves one team hiding an item while the opposing team tries to guess its location using intuition and observation. Accompanied by drumming, singing, and chanting, Hand Games are deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, often played at gatherings, celebrations, and competitions.
Demonstrated by Kyle Snow & Gina Onespot
PARTNERS
