Endzē’ Duda Adih
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What is it?
Endzē’ Duda Adih is an annual Tahltan Cultural program that utilizes Artist-in-Residencies (AiRs), workshops, and seasonal ceremonies in order to teach Tahltan youth about ceremony and governance, harvesting and preparing ancestral foods, relearning our songs, language and protocols, and making regalia and gifts.
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Our Vision
In order to run a successful program that promotes cultural identity amongst Tahltan youth, we have pinpointed key elements to help us achieve our goals. This includes but is not limited to:
Research and Preparation
Partnership With Community Efforts
The Artist in Residence (AiR) Program
Ceremonies
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Endzē’ Duda Adih Dossier
As part of our research, we are committed to gathering documentation of the cultural knowledge provided during Endzē’ Duda Adih and through our relations with community members and cultural teachers alike. We are currently developing a Dossier that will have all of this recorded information, and we intend to publish these teachings for the public to read and learn from at their own leisure.
Research and Preparation
As part of the Endzē’ Duda Adih program, Tu’dese’cho Wholistic Indigenous Leadership Development (TWILD) has initiated a mentorship program with two Research Assistants who will assist in the coordination of our program and eventually take over as leaders. As part of their work, they will be completing interviews, transcribing recordings, researching regalia and aesthetic, singing and dancing, food and harvesting, gift making and giving and protocols, and creating teaching workshops for Tahltan art and ceremony.
Partnership With Community Efforts
Alongside the Endzē’ Duda Adih Steering Committee, we will be focused on upcoming programming to provide every opportunity for cultural, art and language teachings throughout the program. Ongoing work includes co-developing a Tahltan ceremony 101 course, creating a teaching dossier and a Tahltan Pedagogy workshop series to teach in the school. Throughout the process, workbooks, aids, art and cultural curriculum tools will be open and accessible to the community through workshops and presentations. These sessions will be guided by the knowledge of Tahltan ancestors, as well as the TWILD board of directors, leaders at School District 87, and the Tahltan Elders Council. Our process is led by the youth and mentored by our Elders and cultural leaders to advance Tahltan practices and enrich the art and cultural life of our community.
Artist in Residence (AiR) Program
The Endzē’ Duda Adih Artist in Residency program facilitates and employs renowned Tahltan artists to teach critical skills to the students of School District 87. This is done through the introduction of Tahltan-based art structures, integrative learning, and workshops that allow for the students to explore Ancestral art and gift-making as well as contemporary art practices. Youth who visit and work alongside our AiR will be a direct witness to their project’s process and personal discipline within their practice. Youth and community will also be able to look forward to the artist’s presentation of their completed work once their residence is complete. As a guest of the community, all work done in-community will be guided by the proper protocols and cultural guidelines set up by the working group, feedback from the community, and cultural mentors.
Ceremonies
Cultural ceremonies create a welcoming environment, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for one another and support for fellow participants. We create a learning space where students feel secure, share a sense of belonging, and have equal opportunity to express their opinions. All students and teachers participate in the ceremony and its preparation, even if they are not of Tahltan descent. When this program started, Tahltan Elders approved a special in-school clan adoption for Tahltan cultural events. By including all students and teachers in the school ceremony, it has helped to create a general curiosity and appreciation for Tahltan art and culture. The involvement of teachers and parents has become a way to learn, appreciate and integrate Tahltan philosophies and preparation into year-long teachings and learning.
