Boys with Braids Regina meeting fosters sense of pride

A meeting set for Wednesday nightat the University of Reginahad panelists taking about young people and braids.

"Boys with Braids" was organized to share teachings about the sacredness of hair and to foster a sense of pride for boys who choose to grow their hair long.

The Regina event was inspired by Boys with Braids Saskatoon creator Michael Linklater, a successful basketball player who grew tired of hearing his children's experiences of teasing, bullying and harassment.

"[It's] to stop the shaming and to allow young boys and men to be OK with having long hair," Dion Tootoosis, one of the guest speakers, said. "To let society knowthis is something that has been here before confederation and it's here to stay."

Tootoosis explained how braided hair is a cultural identifier and provides a way for aboriginal men and women to honour their ancestry.

Tootoosis recounted how, in May of 1885, members of the Poundmaker Cree Nation battled troops sent to an encampment near Cut Knife Creek. Chief Poundmaker was later imprisoned.

• EXTERNAL LINK: Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan - Chief Poundmaker

"Today, I wear my hair as a living symbol of defiance against a system that really tried to oppress us," he said.

Tootoosis stressed that there are many teachings in Saskatchewan's First Nations relating to braiding.

He said he hopes the event Wednesday night gives young people the information they need about braids.If they choose to wear their hair in braids, they have a good grounding in its cultural and historical elements.

The Boys with Braids event will also, he said, provide useful information to the community at large.

"They're going to have the appreciation and and they're going to have a little bit more respect than what they came in with," he said.

"We have this opportunity to share stories," Tootoosis added.

He said he hopes other communities across Canada hold similar meetings.