CURRENT POSITION Indigenous Service Design Lead, Calgary Public Library, Alberta, Canada DEGREE BA, Communication and Culture, University of Calgary, 2013 FAST FACT Morning Bull is writing a coming-of-age comedy screenplay about a young woman attending her first powwow. Photo by Marcus Fryia

Indigenous Placemaker

Kelli Rae Morning Bull’s lived experiences entwine with her initiatives at Calgary Public Library. “My Blackfoot culture is what drives my passion,” she says. “Sharing it with people can be very impactful.” Morning Bull builds relationships with Indigenous community groups and Elders and designs unique services for Indigenous and non-Indigenous patrons alike. 

Foremost among them is Indigenous Placemaking. Traditional and contemporary art fosters an understanding of Indigenous cultures in Treaty 7 territory (the traditional lands of the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations), where the library is located. Morning Bull has expanded the large-scale murals, stained glass, sculptures, metalwork, and more to nine branches. “Indigenous Placemaking is not a static object or mural, but personal stories that have been passed down generationally,” she says. “Trust is a big part of it. A lot of consideration and care goes into each piece and each library location when working with the artists. You’re bringing two knowledge systems together, not an easy feat.” 

After noting that non-Indigenous patrons were curious about Powwows, Morning Bull spearheaded the educational Powwow Trail 101 program. “My favorite thing is to watch people’s expressions as they experience something culturally unique from their day-to-day,” shares Morning Bull, also the lead organizer for June’s National Indigenous History Month events. “My mother would repeat the Blackfoot word ‘ika’kimaat’ to me, which translates as to try hard,” recalls Morning Bull. “When I’m challenged, I take a quiet moment and repeat it. It’s as if my ancestors are whispering it to me. I’m reminded of what they had to overcome, and that I too can overcome anything.”