Big Circle Camp (Ako'katssin)

This post is going to be a bit lengthy! The annual Ako'katssin (Ah Goo Gaa Tsin) or modern term: Sundance began on July 17th. In Siksika culture of the Ako'katssin, Siksika women begin the ceremonies. The Ako'katssin first begins with the Horn Society months before the date. I am currently a member of the Horn Society (Iiskinaiksi) (Eee Ski Nii eck) with my wife Pam Sitting Eagle. We also have a helper who is usely a young man, Trevor Pellieter. When the Iiskinaiksi leader announces Ako'katssin the members of the society will gather a pre-approved group decision on destination or spot. Once the spot is choosen the society will sit and gather to ceremonially bless the sight and mark the camping area. This ceremonial event is known as marking of the camp. Depending on the leaders decision for the size of camp 14 cottonwood trees would be placed around the area for tipis and camps to be set up. Within the circle of cottonwood trees there are markers for the Maoto'kiiksi and Iiskinaisi lodges.

During the ceremonial blessing, the Iitskinaiksi leader would announce the official start of Ako'katssin. The camp is now prepared for ceremonies to begin. No one is allowed to set up camp before the Iitskinaiksi leader. The leader is the first to set up and the last to take down. During Ako'katssin, ceremonial dances will take place during the day, but throughout the night the societies will take turns singing. The night life of Ako'kaitssin lights up metaphorically. Laughter, singing, children playing and people visiting is a sight to witness. The Siksika operate in a clan system. Ako'katssin is made up of 24 clans. Although at the surface level the Siksika seem to be Paternal it is neither maternal or paternal. The term Ovunque is used to describe the Siksika system of living. Everything is transferred to the man but story and teachings are transferred to the woman. A married Siksika Man is only a man through his wife. Meaning, the wife makes the husband who is.

July 17th is known as Buffalo Women lodge building.

Day 1 - 4 (July 18th -21st)- Buffalo Women Society (Maoto'kiiksi)For four days, the Buffalo Women Society, Maoto'kiiksi (Mo doe Geeks) dance and perform numerous ceremonies. It is unknown what takes place in the their lodge since it only allows for members who are women. Since I am not a women I do not have a right to the societies knowledge. I do know that the society was once a men's war society. According to common knowledge history. All the men of the society had died and their wives carried on the traditions and ceremonial life.

Day 5 - Prairie Chicken Society (Kiitokiiks)

This day is dedicated to the Kiitokiiks (Gee do Geeks). The Prairie Chicken Society is comprised of young males and females. I am a grandfather to the society. I was member for over 25 years and transferred to my daugther in 2017. Once an individual transfers out of a society they become teachers to the group. Each individual is given several ceremonial transfers, which can be transferred to members of the society. In younger Big Circle Camp societies they begin learning the Siksika Ways of knowing and the language. Each society focuses on the ceremonial language of the Siksika.

Day 6 - Brave Dog Society/ Crazy Dogs (Kanattosoomitaiksi)

Kanattsoomitaiksi (Gaa nuts soom me dakes) are the police and lawmakers of the camp. The Brave Dogs are also protectors and workers of the Horn Society. In traditional times the Brave Dogs would camp on the outskirts of the bigger camp. The society is comprised of young couples mainly men. In war time, the Brave Dogs would defend the camp. Brave Dogs are the first line of defence for the Siksika. I was also a member for 20m years and transferred to my nephew in 2022.

Day 7 - Dove Society (kak'kwiiks) (Gaak Gweeks)/ Day of Rest

This day depends on the simple fact if Kak'kwiiks are in attendance. If the society has not entered the camp a message would be sent to the Iitskinaiksi leader. On the evening of the Day 6, the Iitskinaiksi will announce if the following (day 7) will be a day of rest or meant for the Kak'kwiiks.

Day 8 - 11 - Horn Society Iitskinaiksi

The Iitskinaiksi are the parents of all Siksika. This does not exclude non-Siksika people. If individuals or families wish to support the Iitiskinaiksi they become adopted by a member of the Iitskinaiksi. The Society will dance for four days inside the camp and outside the tipi camps. All sacred societies share a common interest, which revitalization of the Siksika culture and language. The language is spoken throughout the event. The Iitskinaiksi are the leaders of all Siksika people and should live by example. Living the role and responsibility of a Iitskinaiksi means to take a life of humility, kindness, respect and forgiveness. High respect in Siksika terms means to love. Iitskinaiksi are the living embodiment of all things good and right. Iitskinaiksi are caretakers of sacred bundles and Siksika lifestyles.