A giant spiderweb made up of students could be seen on Mount Royal University’s campus Wednesday. Between 500 and 600 students and staff took part in the third annual human spiderweb on the school’s soccer fields. The event stems from a story from Elder Roy Bear Chief’s late older brother Clement Bear Chief about the spiderweb (ani to pisi) and its interconnectedness with society. A spiderweb is strong and woven together by silk strands. By taking its physical form, the event is meant to teach students to respond to vibrations -- much like when something lands in a spider’s web. “It connects us all. It speaks to the idea that we all belong here, regardless of who we are. If there are problems anywhere on the web, it will vibrate. And if you feel those vibrations, you are supposed to go and help,” said Bear Chief, who added that good vibrations are celebrated too. The event is part of MRU’s commitment to Indigenization “A Blackfoot story of creation of how the creator, after making the world, had the spider web gifted to the people so that the vibrations, the interconnectivity, allows people to help and support each other,“ said MRU health, community and education faculty dean Stephen Price. ”And as we’re doing this, as part of Mount Royal’s journey to Indigenization, as we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (On Sept, 30), it’s a chance for people just to get out, to learn (and) to listen.” Students also wore orange shirts in honour of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
