Page 4 - Siksika Nation - Indigenous Communities in Canada

Chapter Two

HOME, FAMILY,

AND SCHOOL

n the past the Siksika lived in shelters called tipis. Tipis were
lightweight and could easily be moved. Women owned the tipis.

IThey made and set up the tipis, too. Wooden poles were tied

together at the centre with a rope and spread out as they reached
the ground. The poles were covered with bison hides, and a hole

left at the top allowed smoke to escape. The cover also had two

flaps with poles attached to make a doorway that could close.

The Papai-tapiksi were dream beings who would visit the

Siksika in their sleep. They gave the Siksika the designs to paint
on their tipis to bring long life and harmony to the people inside.

Painting the tipis was important because the designs connected

the people with the spirit beings around them. Inside, a fire was
built in the centre of the tipi. The Siksika kept their ceremonial

objects, belongings, and bedding in the back by the walls.

Tipis could have many designs painted on them.

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