Journey to Indigenization: 'Ani to pisi' comes alive

Hundreds join in to create a human spider web
Individuals in orange shirts in a lively outdoor setting.
Bringing hundreds of people together to create a physical spider web where everyone is connected by hanging on to the people around them allows for people to feel Ani to pisi.

An estimated 500 people joined hands on a beautiful sunny day to create a human spider web on Mount Royal’s soccer field as a physical representation of Ani to pisi. This was the second year that the massive orange web was formed at MRU. The event is one of many during the annual Journey to Indigenization.

“Ani to pisi” (human spider web) is a creation story that comes from Siksika Elder Clement Bear Chief, who passed away in 2022.

For years Clement’s younger brother Elder Roy Bear Chief held onto the story until he realized the broader implications of its teachings. Ani to pisi has been shared and used at the leadership (macro and micro levels) at MRU and is a foundational component of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education Strategic Plan.

Visually, Ani to pisi is depicted by a spider web, which demonstrates the interconnectedness of everything. Strands weave together to create a web that spiders use to catch their prey. When something lands in their web, they feel the vibrations

“It connects us all. It speaks to the idea that we all belong here, regardless of who we are,” Bear Chief says.

Bringing hundreds of people together to create a physical spider web where everyone is connected by hanging on to the people around them allows for people to feel Ani to pisi.

This year’s event was extra special as students and staff from area schools took a field trip to MRU to participate including Olds High School, Deer Meadow School, Dr. Oakley School, Briar Springs School and Griffith Woods School.

A group of people in orange shirts standing together, holding hands in a display of unity and support.
Elder Bear Chief is especially grateful to all of those who participated.

Elder Miiksika'am opened the gathering with a prayer and invited the Sorrel Rider Singers to play MRU’s Honour Song before everyone stood up and linked hands to create a physical Ani to pisi.

“If there are problems anywhere on the web, it will vibrate, and if you feel those vibrations, you are supposed to go and help,” explains Bear Chief, who was named as one of Mount Royal’s 2024 Honorary Doctorate recipients.

Not only is the human spider web a testament to MRU’s commitment to reconciliation, says Bear Chief, but it is a way to honour his brother Clement. “That, to me, is the icing on the cake. Even though my brother is no longer here physically, his spirit is indeed present in the spiderweb.”

“The opportunity to enact Ani to pisi as a shared experience brings us together in reconciliation and is an important lead-in to acknowledging the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” says John Fischer, interim associate vice-president of indigenization and decolonization.

Students and faculty from the Faculty of Health, Community and Education had an integral role in this year’s spiderweb, something the department’s dean is incredibly proud of. “The child studies capstone students under the guidance of Dr. Therese Wiart-Jenkinson and Dr. Pat Kostouros did a superb job working with Elder Bear Chief and all the volunteers who helped lead the vibrations and round dance,” says Dr. Stephen Price, PhD.

“Coming together to hear the Blackfoot story told by Elder Bear Chief and the blessing, song and teachings from Elder Miiksika'am is inspiring. Having the opportunity to be active in the human spiderweb allowed all of us to bring the web to life. Dancing, holding hands, experiencing the web together, all in the spirit of reconciliation. One small thing we can do during Mount Royal’s Journey to Indigenization.”

Elder Bear Chief is especially grateful to all of those who participated. After last year’s human spider web he says Ani to pisi was sitting still waiting for people to come to create good vibrations. “We did it a second time and more people came to celebrate those good vibrations emanating from Ani to pisi. Thanks to all who came out to participate.”

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