Blackfoot Odyssey 

PURPOSE

Established June 2024, this website was created for the purpose of education. 

PATH

Through this website, we wish to bring attention to the path we have been on – our Indigenization process. You will learn about our initiative to feature a series of experiences of a Blackfoot (Kainai) Elder, Joe Eagle Tail Feathers. As reflected in our provided definition of "odyssey," a series of Joe's incredible experiences are shared in the hope that they will give knowledge or understanding to someone. 

PEDAGOGY

Here, you will begin learning from a Blackfoot Odyssey. You will learn about a number of sacred sites Eagle Tail Feathers has visited on his traditional territory. Related to those visits are several courageous stories he has shared for a course we have called 'Blackfoot Odyssey.' 

Blackfoot Odyssey was created for a component of an Indigenous Literatures course taught by Dr. Christopher Grignard at Mount Royal University (Calgary, AB) so that his students can learn from it. Chris regards this work as indigenizing the course's learning management system, D2L Brightspace. Through digital re-design, our work aims to transform Brightspace into sacred space.

PAST & PRESENT

So much has been created for our D2L Brightspace since Spring 2023 at which time it started with incorporating the tipi graphic of Joe Eagle Tail Feathers! Over this last year, the Blackfoot Odyssey was born. 

It is important to note, however, that the path that has lead us to where we are in the present was in place long before. And in no way do we envision this path as having ended just because it is being shared here.

FUTURE

Thus, this website is still in development as the Blackfoot Odyssey itself is still very much alive and working its wonders on all those involved. For the purpose of developing future work, we wish to share with the larger community what we have created for the MRU course. In doing so, we are welcoming you to be part of our journey going forward!

We are excited to see where this journey will take all of us. Wherever it may be, we will be sure to share it here. 

On this page, our Odyssey Gallery will feature images of our work and the places it has taken us so far. If you peruse the other pages of our website, you will learn more about our work. You will also discover opportunities for you to be involved! Branching off of ours, you can blaze your own trail of indigenization wherever you may be.