Global Citizens Network (GCN) Project Site:
Eden Valley Reserve, Alberta, CANADA
Check Trip Schedule for Trip dates
Read an except from the team journal
The Area and People
The people of Eden Valley Reserve are the descendants of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakoda
peoples who used and occupied a vast area of the North American Great Plains and Rocky
Mountains. More specifically they are the Stoney Nakoda or lyärhe Nakoda and their traditional lands
include large parts of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana.
Although in their language they always referred to themselves as "Na-ko-da" (meaning "people"), today they are known everywhere as the Stoney Indians. The name "Stoney" Indians was first given to them by the early white explorers because of their method of making broth.
In order to make broth a fire was first made, and some round stones placed in the fire so that they would become very hot. Nearby a small hollow was dug into the ground and lined with rawhide to form a bowl. Food, such as pieces of meat and vegetables, was placed in the bowl and water added; the hot stones were then taken from the fire and placed into the broth to cook it. The stones would not burn holes into the rawhide, but only make the water very hot. Early explorers from Europe noticed their clever way of making soup, and remembered them as the "stone" people. That is why today they are called the Stoney Indians. The Tribal Council of Stoney Nation has invited GCN to work in partnership with their community. Most projects will focus on maintaining their culture, language, and way of life. Possible projects include: improvements to reserve common buildings such as schools or churches. A highlight for trip participants may be: learning to make bannock, beading or a pow wow. Learn more about Stoney Nakoda First Nation on their website.
Travel Itinerary
Team members meet on Friday at the airport in Calgary, Alberta where they will be met by the GCN Team Leader.
Team members then travel as a team, by van, to Eden Valley
Reserve. Participants who choose to travel by car to Eden
Valley Reserve may follow the van from the airport or meet
there if preferred. The week will be spent meeting community
members and participating in community affairs. Friday the
group will return to the airport for departure.
Accommodation and Meals
Team members will most likely stay in a community building, sleeping on the
floor, in one room. (Many participants bring air mattresses if desired.)
Bathroom and kitchen facilities are available on-site. Some participants may
decide to camp. Meals will be prepared communally by the team members,
with some meals being shared with community members as well.
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local
community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional
day trip. Team members will have opportunities to explore the beautiful Eastern Slopes of the Canadian
Rockies in Kananaskis or Banff National Park on the first Saturday or Sunday. You always have the option
to extend your stay in Canada to visit other outdoor & cultural sites in the area.
Health Issues
Participants are required to be in sound health. Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand.
Costs
The program cost for this eight day trip is $975. Program costs covers on-site accommodations (lodging and meals), round trip transportation between Calgary and Eden Valley Reserve, training materials, donation to the project, t-shirt, and a portion of the team leader’s expenses.
Airfare to Calgary, and costs relating to activities outside of the site, are additional and the responsibility of the individual participant.
All trip related costs are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Discounts available (one per person/group)
For further information contact us:
Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292
Contact us
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