Exchange ceremony bonds Peigans and Mongolians

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Two peoples, continents apart, were involved in a unique exchange ceremony at Head Smashed -In Buffalo Jump Interpretation Center that will bond two aboriginal people forever.

A tipi-yurt swap July 21 between the Peigan Nation and the Khasahks from Inner Mongolia, China concluded a two-year cultural exchange project, said Kevin Taft, president of Ex Terra Foundation.

The cultural exchange between the indigenous groups grew out of a scientific project between Canada and China to study dinosaur fossils in both countries. The project called Ex Terra Foundation will present its findings through a public program consisting of adult and children books, television and documentary films and a traveling exhibition.

"I think it (the cultural exchange) was a great success," Taft said. "A lot of people were exposed to new ideas, to other people and other cultures who otherwise would not have the opportunity."

"I think it helps build relations between Canada and China in general and the indigenous people in Canada, particularly the Peigan people and the minority groups in China."

In 1987, Joe Crow Shoe Sr. and his son Reg presented a painted tipi to the Khasahks and the people of Mongolia. Rose Crow Shoe and Reg repeated the gesture of friendship the following year.

In return eight representatives from China, four of whom are from Mongolia, dedicated two fully-furnished yurts to the Peigan Tribe in a two-hour ceremony hosted by Head Smashed-In.

Yurts are portable tents made of latticed circular type fences with poles joined at the top where a hole is formed to let smoke escape. Called mongobao in Chinese, yurts are covered with layers of felt or wool carpets, over which canvas is tied with ropes. They are portable and flexible to expand when the need arises.

Teng Tingkang of the Chinese Science Academy noted the difference between the tipi and the yurts in an interview through a translator. The tipi is easier to construct and is much cooler because of their height Teng said. The tipi presented to the Khasahks ware standing in the shadow of the Tian Shan Mountain Range in Mongolia he added.

"The most important thing," Teng said, "is the friendship between the people in China and Canada."

A throng of people crowded in front of the tipi and they yurt to witness the exchange ceremonies. After the lengthy ceremony which involved the offering of gifts, there was a powwow. Members of the Chinese delegation joined in the dances and happily participated in the feast in their honor.

Over 7,200 people attended the weekend event which included a competition powwow.