Elder Dr Clarence Wolfleg, and a photo of the CCSL Mini-forest from June 2024

Our Mini Forest is Receiving a Name!

Join us for this naming ceremony led by Elder Dr Clarence Wolfleg
When: Sunday September 8, 11:45 am - 1:30 pm (approximately)
Where: Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living, 4411 Manitoba Rd SE

Last September, the Calgary Climate Hub partnered with the Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living (CCSL) to plant a mini forest. The forest plants have been growing nicely this summer, in spite of water restrictions and very hot weather in July.

On September 8th, at 11:45am, Elder Dr. Clarence Wolfleg will perform an Indigenous naming ceremony followed by a potluck lunch. Elder Wolfleg will unveil the Blackfoot name for our mini forest and we will raise a new sign featuring the forest’s name. Naming practices for both places and people in Indigenous cultures differ from colonial Canadian culture. Indigenous peoples often are gifted a name in a special ceremony. Places can also be gifted a name that is descriptive, communicating a place’s purpose, history or spiritual significance.

Please join us on September 8th to celebrate a gift from Blackfoot Elder Dr. Clarence Wolfleg. You are welcome to join us for the potluck lunch after the ceremony even if you are unable to bring a dish.

Parking: Note that parking in the CCSL lot to the west of the building may be limited, but free parking is available along Manitoba Rd or across Manhattan Rd in the Grainger parking lot. CCSL is a short (~10 min) walk from the 39 Ave C-Train station.

Biography:

Clarence Wolfleg Sr. (Agar) is from the Siksika Nation. His traditional name, Miiksika'am, translates to “Red Crane.” This traditional Siksika name was also his fourth great grandfather’s name, who watched their eastern Siksika boundaries for many years back in the late 1700s.

Clarence attended the Old Sun Indian Residential School in Siksika and was registered by the name Agar Wolfleg. He later used his correct name, Clarence Victor Wolfleg, which came from his god father, a Siksika Chief named Chief Clarence McHugh. Clarence McHugh’s wife’s name was Victoria.

In 2013, Clarence finished his last term with Siksika Nation Chief & Council. He was elected for ten terms as a member of Siksika Council and served under many Siksika chiefs.

Photo and biography excerpt originally from Calgary Public Library - Elders Guidance Circle webpage