REGINA – The focus wasn’t just on the end product at the second annual Glen Anaquod Memorial Tipi Raising Competition at the University of Regina on Friday.
“They’re getting judged on their communication with each other, how they work together, how quickly they can do it, so there’s a couple of components. It’s not just the act of putting the tipi up itself,” said Misty Longman, the manager of the university’s Aboriginal Student Centre.
About 180 participants, ranging from high school and university students to corporate representatives, were challenged to erect a tipi in four-person teams in 20 minutes.
The event, which has been held for several years as a different version, is named after the late Glen Anaquod, a former traditional advisor at the school. According to his family, his wish was to bring the school community together with the competition.
“My dad, this is what he loved. He loved teaching and he loved, especially being in the youth and helping them continue on and carry that on so that there can be pride in our culture,” said Gaylene Anaquod. “Today is just, I’m so proud.”
Ashton Russel, 17, participated in the competition with other students on a field trip.
“You get a good education and you get to have a fun day,” said the Thom Collegiate student as he built his tipi. “So far, it’s working a lot more better than textbooks.”
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