NOTICE TO ALEXIS ELDERS (AGE 60+)
RE: Dagugicebi (Good Relatives) Alexis Community–Elder Led Safety Project

Abawashded,

On behalf of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, we invite our Elders to participate in a survey for the Dagugicebi (Good Relatives) Alexis Community–Elder Led Safety Project (2025–2026).

Over the past year, we have gathered with Elders through monthly meetings focused on community safety. These gatherings were intended to create space for Elders to share teachings, reflections, and guidance regarding the restoration of traditional teachings and responsibilities, and the actions our Nation can take to restore peace, balance, and respectful relationships for future generations. Unfortunately, due to several funerals, our final meetings had to be postponed and we have reached the closing stage of this project. As a result, we will be completing this work through an Elder survey.

Your guidance will help shape the Alexis Community Safety Plan and ensure that this work reflects our Nakoda teachings and responsibilities to live as good relatives.

The survey will take place from February 11, 2026 to March 11, 2026. Elders who complete the survey will receive appreciation for their time and contributions.

Survey assistance will be available for Elders who would like support in completing the questionnaire. Staff will also be reaching out to ensure that all Elders who wish to participate have the opportunity to share their voices.

Please contact Brandis Roan Alexis, Project Coordinator, at 587-783-9302 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the survey or the project.

We sincerely thank you for your prayers, wisdom, and care for our Nation. Thank you for your time, we look forward to hearing your responses.

Ishnish,


Chief Tony Alexis
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation

Cc: Alexis Council Members

Date: November 5-7, 2025
Location: River Cree Venue, Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta, Canada

For updates, visit the Nakota Language Conference Facebook page.

On behalf of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, we are honoured to welcome you to the 2025 Nakota Language Conference in Edmonton, Alberta. This year’s theme, Watezehebi Yobami—Honouring Our Youth—reflects our deep commitment to empowering Nakota youth as leaders and caretakers of our language, culture, and identity.

Our Nation is facing a critical time. A language assessment conducted in November 2024 revealed that only 9% of our members are fluent in Nakota, with the majority of fluent speakers aged 55 and older. This conference is a vital step toward reversing language loss by focusing on youth as the heart of revitalization efforts.

Throughout this gathering, we will work together to:

  • Empower our youth to lead language preservation efforts and strengthen cultural identity.
  • Co-create a youth-led language framework that supports revitalization at home, in schools, and through modern technology.
  • Build intergenerational connections through mentorship between Elders and young learners.
  • Promote cultural reconnection through ceremonies, land-based learning, and traditional practices.
  • Establish lasting community engagement through the creation of a Youth Language Advisory Circle to lead future language initiatives.

We are proud to host a rich, multi-day program that brings together youth, Elders, leaders, and community members in celebration and action.

Director of Language: Eugene Alexis
Email: eugene.alexis@ansn.ca
Phone: 780-863-5759

Registration: Ramona Couillonneur
Email: isga@ansn.ca
Phone: 780-803-8237

River Cree:

Room booking at River Cree is Sold Out

Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton West:

18540 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 0K6
Book Online
Book by Phone: (780) 244-8355

Hyatt Place Edmonton-West:

18004 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 2T6
Book Online
Book by Phone: (780) 244-4900

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West:

10011 184th Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 0C7
Book Online
Book by Phone: (780) 638-6070

Wingate by Wyndham Edmonton:

18220 100 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5S 2V2
Book Online
Book by Phone: (780) 443-1000

This conference is not just a gathering—it is a movement. Together, we honour the voices of our youth, uplift our language, and take collective steps to ensure that the Nakota language thrives for generations to come.

Welcome, and thank you for being part of this journey.

Download Program

ABA WAZHI (DAY 1): Setting the Foundation

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Grand Entry
  • Nakota Chiefs’ Dinner
  • Keynote Address: Chief Arvol Looking Horse
    19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and Spiritual Leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Oyate
  • Performance by Youth

ABA NUM (DAY 2): Learning & Leadership

  • Keynote Speakers

ABA YAMNI (DAY 3): Mobilizing for the Future

  • Keynote Speakers
  • Youth Panel
  • Memorial Tributes
  • Evaluation, Closing Ceremony and Activities
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