Meeting Keith and Some Customs to Consider

Below is a list of things I (Jeff Nelson) have learned which may be helpful to you. Caution: I may be wrong - I'm still learning. Let me know if your understanding is different.

Getting To Eden Valley

Eden Valley is about 30 km west of Longview.
Directions to Longview and Eden Valley.
For most events, I will meet you at the bridge across the Highwood River at Eden Valley. Keith's family ranch is at the far east end of Eden Valley.

Vaccinations

Keith, his family, and I are triple vaccinated. Our expectation is that you are vaccinated as well. For this year we will also encourage people to maintain social distancing. Masks are optional. Hand sanitizer is recommended.

What to Bring

For some events, we are providing food but for your own comfort, you may want to bring your own lunch and snacks.

Drinkable water is very limited. Be sure to bring water for yourself and the group that you are with.

Be prepared for any type of weather. The temperature and wind conditions can change dramatically within minutes. Dress warmly. Lots of layers. Consider bringing gloves and a hat or toque.

There are very few bugs outside but you may want to bring repellant.

Eden Valley is remotely nestled in the Rocky Mountains - beyond rural. Wildlife such as eagles, deer, elk, moose, foxes, and bears are nearby. You may want to bring bear spray.

On days that are warm and sunny, you may want to bring your swimsuit and towel. Right behind Keith’s home is a fantastic swimming hole. On a hot day, it is enticing.

Meeting

For most events, we will start by joining Keith inside his tipi (it's large). You will be invited to participate in a smudging ceremony led by Keith but it is not a requirement for you to smudge.

After the prayer and smudge is a great time for discussion and for you to ask questions that you may have

Additional Thoughts and Suggestions

Language

Keith's first language is Nakoda-Sioux. This is the language that many people in Eden Valley use on a day-to-day basis. It is a beautiful, descriptive language.

As a demonstration of respect, it is worth your time and effort to learn a few phrases.

• Umba Wastich is "good day" (actually day good; the "u" is nasal, hence "um").

• Ish Ne Ish is “thank you” (you can say Ish Nish which is slang for the same thing).

The language is very sophisticated. For example, men and women speak different dialects. This is not genders of things - it is literally 2 different dialects; similar but different. For example, for "yes" men would say “Hau” (as in how) and women say “Ha” (The "a" is nasal).

Gifts and Honorarium

Giving tobacco is a standard protocol (expected). Tobacco is used in nearly all ceremonies.

I would suggest that you bring tobacco - anything from cigarettes to loose tobacco to pipe tobacco - any type is fine. Cigarettes are the cheapest.

It is possible that you will feel uncomfortable buying tobacco but this protocol is important. When you come, you can ask Keith why tobacco is given as a gift.

As an alternative to tobacco, you may want to bring a blanket. This is a very traditional gift as well. Or any other type of gift.

Photos, Audio, and Video

As a general rule, photos are welcomed, even encouraged, except during sacred ceremonies like smudging, prayers, and anything to do with sweat lodge ceremonies.

The response to posting on social media platforms is most often yes but sometimes no. As a courtesy, ask first. Some images you will just have from the day will need to be stored in your old-fashioned "memory".

Learning and Questions

This is why you are meeting Keith. Questions are welcomed and encouraged. My suggestion is to go with the flow. Ask if you don't know or don't understand. Keith will give you feedback and suggestions.

Shaking Hands

The handshake with people at Eden Valley is very gentle. The handshake is an experience in itself - soft, calming, and respectful. I have come to appreciate shaking hands in this manner - to the point that a firm handshake is annoying.

Eye Contact

More often than not eye contact is minimal. If you can, avoid looking directly at the eyes of the person speaking during conversations. When you watch Keith, you will see that he is often looking away or down and to the side. This is a custom. Try it. It is difficult to do because most people who are not Indigenous are taught to do the opposite. Many were taught to “Look at me when I’m talking to you”.

I’ll add, that this custom does not seem to be consistent between all community members. With some community members, eye contact is fine.

Expectations

It is helpful to be aware of your expectations before you attend an event and during the experience. It is likely that you will need to adjust your expectations as the day unfolds.

Let me put this another way. The wonderful aspect of spending time with people in Eden Valley is that everything is different. This includes their view of life, their relationship with nature, their relationships, the way they make decisions, their language which is descriptive, and how they view time. Many things are fluid, flexible, and flowing. It is a beautiful thing to experience.

I hope this helps. Please contact Keith or me if you have any questions.

Jeff Nelson
403-703-2247