Sik-OOh-Kotoki Friendship Society

08/31/2026

Thank you for all your support and understanding

08/31/2026

📚 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Red Crow Community College is now taking applications for the Niitsitapi Education Assistant Certificate Program (NEACP).

This 10-month, full-time program prepares graduates to work alongside teachers and education professionals, supporting children and youth with diverse learning needs.

Requirements include:
✔️ Grade 12 or equivalent (ENG 30-1 or 30-2)
✔️ Related post-secondary education
✔️ Entrance Exam: Accuplacer

📅 Applications open: August 31, 2026

08/26/2026

There are so many incredible people who helped make this summer such a huge success, and I truly apologize in advance to anyone I may accidentally overlook.

A huge thank you to Natasha and Britany for organizing and planning the Indigenous Learning Summer Camp. To Mark, our Elder, for sharing his wisdom through tipi teachings and cultural lessons. We also appreciate the Lethbridge Public Library and the Family Centre for their support.

Thank you to Jimmy, Nikki, and Patrick for taking us fishing and sharing your knowledge on the water. To Deserae, Alex, Steph, Tanis, Sammy, and the rest of the DE staff—thank you for partnering with us to host the Buffalo Hide Tanning STEM Camp. And to Tracy, Luc, Sabina, and the Mindfuel team for teaching us all about drones and DNA.

We are so grateful to our volunteers, whose time and energy made everything run smoothly. Special thanks to Giselle Black Plume and family, Teela Cross Child and family, Jade First Rider, and Stephany Spear Chief for their contributions. To all the parents who supported our After School Program—we couldn’t have done it without you.

We also want to thank McCain Foods for their sponsorship and generous donations, and every single one of our parade volunteers who helped put together our float and joined us in the Whoop Up Parade—where we took home 2nd place!

08/17/2026

NINÁSTAKO SUNRISE HIKE-LAST HIKE
August 28–29, 2026

Have you ever climbed a mountain in the middle of the night and watched the world change from moonlight to sunrise?

This will be a different kind of Ninástako experience. We’ll begin our journey under the night sky, hiking by headlamp as the moon moves across the mountains, and make our way toward the summit to rise with Naato’si-the sun.

It’s a chance to challenge ourselves, be fully present, strengthen our connections, recognize our roles and responsibilities within community, and appreciate and care for the land that continues to provide for us.

🥾 For strong, confident First Nation hikers
🌙 Overnight / sunrise experience
🔦 Headlamp provided
🎁 Hiking gift provided
🧥 Dress warm and bring layers-mountain temperatures can be very cold overnight and near sunrise.
📅 August 28–29, 2026
⏳ Registration deadline: August 25, 2026

PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING:
If you sign up, please honour your commitment. Spaces are limited, and registering means a spot is being held specifically for you.

Once registered, participants will be added to a group chat where important information, updates and final details will be shared. Please read the messages and maintain communication leading up to the hike. If your plans change, let us know as soon as possible so your space can be offered to someone else.

Good communication helps us plan, prepare and keep everyone safe. 🤎

Come prepared for a challenge, a little adventure, some laughs, and hopefully a sunrise we won’t forget.

Limited spaces available. Register using the QR code on the poster. 🌄

Text all Questions to (780) 777 1897

08/11/2026

🥞 PANCAKE BREAKFAST! 🥞

Start your Friday with a stack of pancakes, good food, and even better company! ❤️

The Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society invites all families, neighbors, and members of our community to join us for a FREE Pancake Breakfast!

📅 Friday, August 21, 2026
⏰ Breakfast served at 10:00 AM
🥞 FREE for everyone!

Come enjoy a delicious breakfast, visit with friends and neighbors, and share some great community time together.

Bring your appetite and your smiles — we’ll bring the pancakes! 😋🥞

Please feel free to share this post and help spread the word. We can’t wait to see you there! ❤️

08/03/2026

As we prepare for our next journey to Ninàstako, we also want to share that there are now only two hikes remaining.

Over the past four years, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside so many community members as they reconnected with the land, our culture, and with one another. Every step, every conversation, and every summit has been a reminder of why this work matters.

For those who have been thinking about joining us, this is your opportunity. We hope you’ll walk with us before this chapter comes to a close.

IMPORTANT:

📌These hikes are intended for First Nations community members who want to build confidence outdoors, learn about the land, and strengthen their connection to our Indigenous ways while visiting our sacred mountain.

✊🏽🪶We have also received permission to access the site for this organized group.

⚠️***We respectfully ask that individuals who are not registered in the program refrain from using our group’s scheduled access time to visit the site. Multiple groups on the same day increase the risk of rockfall, communication difficulties, and emergency response challenges***

⛰️Attendance at the Elder-led information and teaching session a day before the hike is expected for all participants. A meal will be provided during the Elder session as we gather to learn, visit, and prepare for the hike together.

‼️This is a hard, strenuous hike involving steep elevation gain, cliff exposure, uneven terrain, bouldering, scrambling, and exposure to changing mountain conditions. Participants must be in good health.

⛰️Those who choose not to continue to the summit must be comfortable waiting at the base for an extended period of time until the group returns.

⛰️Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended due to road conditions.

📲 Further communication will be provided by text message. Detailed information, reminders, meeting locations, packing recommendations, and final instructions will be sent out once ALL PARTICIPANTS accept the invite to the group chat. Please do not delay.

👂 The majority of our participants who sign up are beginners, so we ask experienced hikers to bring patience, encouragement, and a willingness to support others on their journey. It’s not just a mountain to climb, it’s a healing journey.

07/29/2026

📢 Piikani Nation Membership Department – Secure Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card) Applications

The Piikani Membership Department will be at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society in Lethbridge to assist Piikani members with Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) applications.

📅 Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society
1709 – 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB

Please bring:
✅ Two (2) passport-size photos
✅ Valid government-issued photo ID (Driver's Licence or other government-issued identification)

⚠️ Please note: Expired identification cards will not be accepted.

If you have questions, please contact the Piikani Membership Department at 403-965-3940.

We encourage all eligible Piikani members who need to apply for or renew their Secure Certificate of Indian Status to take advantage of this convenient opportunity in Lethbridge.

07/27/2026

07/23/2026

🎉 Looking for a fun way to earn extra money this summer? 🎉

Join the Whoop-Up Days Event Team and be part of one of Lethbridge's biggest celebrations!

📅 Job Fair: Monday, August 4
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Lethbridge & District Exhibition – Trade & Convention Centre
101 Exhibition Way S

✨ Hiring Event Personnel for Whoop-Up Days!
💲 $18–$20/hour
👥 Ages 16+ welcome

On-site interviews will be available, but spots are limited, so don't miss your chance!

Bring your enthusiasm and be part of their team that helps make Whoop-Up Days an unforgettable experience.

📢 Tag someone who's looking for work or share this post to help spread the word!

07/21/2026

📢 Join the Kainai Board of Education Job Fair! 🎉

Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the lives of students and the community? meet the Kainai Board of Education team and explore a variety of exciting employment opportunities!

🗓 Wednesday, July 22, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 KBE Multi-Purpose Building

✅ Walk-ins are welcome!

Please bring:
📄 Your resume
👥 Three references
🛡 Child Welfare Check
📋 Criminal Record Check

Whether you're starting a new career or looking for your next opportunity, they would love to meet you!

Please share this post with friends, family, or anyone who may be interested. Together, to build a strong future for our students and community. ❤️