Photo courtesy of Ruth with SLFN

Elder Agnes Cheezie, born May 20, 1953, is the cultural driver in her home territory of Thebacha, what is more commonly known as Slave River in Fort Smith. She gently gathers stories from the Elders who came before her to share with the ones who have come after her. When she speaks of her role in the community, she is aware of her responsibility as an ancestor to learn, preserve and share her culture for future generations. Elder Agnes arranges hide and harvesting camps, food preservation teachings, and helps brings traditional medicines to Elders with mobility issues – treasures that she sometimes fears to be lost.

“The Elders had so much wisdom,” says Elder Agnes, “they said that things will change in the future, but that we must always be kind and help people.” She allows these words to guide her as she passes knowledge on to youth in her community.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is celebrating the rich culture and history of Indigenous peoples of this region in recognition of National Indigenous History Month. Please join us throughout the month of June in honoring the original peoples whose stories have marked these lands for time immemorial.