kisiskâciwani-sîpiy - Fire, Water and Bird Teachings with Jo-Ann and Jerry Saddleback
Join Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre for an afternoon of land-based learning with Elders Jo-Ann Saddleback and Jerry Saddleback in Edmonton's River Valley. Participants will gather for a picnic and short walk near Emily Murphy Park, where Jo-Ann and Jerry will share teachings about fire, water, and birds through storytelling and conversation.
Through walking and listening, participants will be invited to spend time with the land and reflect on the relationships between people, water and animals.
This free workshop is part of kisiskâciwani-sîpiy, Ociciwan's land-based workshop series exploring the North Saskatchewan River Valley through art, conversation, and community. Across the series, participants are invited to gather with artists, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers through walks, conversations, and creative activities that deepen our relationships with the land.
Space is limited to 15 participants. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot.
When: Friday, October 2, 2026, 1:00–3:00 PM
Where: Emily Murphy Park & Edmonton's River Valley
Register here, limited spots available!
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About Jo-Ann and Jerry Saddleback
Elders Jo-Ann Saddleback and Jerry Saddleback are respected Knowledge Keepers with deep connections to land-based teachings and community practices within Treaty 6 territory. Their knowledge is rooted in lived experience and reflects a strong commitment to cultural continuity and relational ways of being.
Jo-Ann Saddleback is an artist, poet, writer, designer, producer, policy advocate, and Knowledge Keeper. She has spent decades working across the arts, cultural education, Indigenous rights, and community advocacy. She has served as an Elder Cultural Advisor for the City of Edmonton, Dreamspeakers, and the City of Edmonton Matriarch Circle, and has delivered cultural and educational workshops for more than 25 years.
Jerry Saddleback is a Plains Cree Knowledge Keeper from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacîs, Treaty 6. He has dedicated his life to cultural teachings, spiritual guidance, and artistic practice. He served for decades as Dean of Cultural Programs at Maskwacîs Cultural College and now holds a lifetime role as Elder-in-Residence, recognized by the four Chiefs of Maskwacîs. Jerry is also a master bow maker, carrying forward intergenerational knowledge through his work with materials gathered from the land.
Together, Jo-Ann and Jerry bring decades of experience in cultural teaching and land-based knowledge. Their teachings centre relationships with the land alongside stories.
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Ociciwan is pleased to present kisiskâciwani-sîpiy, a series of land-based workshops taking place throughout the summer and autumn in Edmonton's River Valley. Across a number of sessions, participants are invited to gather with artists, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers. kisiskâciwani-sîpiy drives connection through walks, conversations, and creative activities that deepen our relationships with the river and the land.
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Accessibility
This program takes place outdoors in Edmonton's River Valley. Participants will spend the afternoon outdoors and take a short walk near Emily Murphy Park. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring water, and be prepared for changing outdoor conditions. More detailed information about the meeting location and route will be provided to registered participants.
This project is funded through the FIRE Grant Program (Funding Indigenous Resurgence in Edmonton) from the Edmonton Heritage Council.