The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Nikan Kakike Awasisak Sensory Teepee was set up at Treaty Days in Lubicon Lake Band, Loon River First Nation, and Peerless Trout First Nation in July and August 2024. The sensory teepee concept originated from Dr. Grant Bruno, an Indigenous Assistant Professor and researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta, and father to Autistic children from Samson Cree Nation. One of the KTC Health Children’s Team Occupational Therapists attended a talk on National Indigenous Peoples Day where Dr. Bruno spoke about a sensory teepee that he set up at a Powwow in Maskwacis to help create an inclusive space for Autistic children. Naturally intrigued by the connection to sensory processing and regulation, the OT team sought permission from Dr. Bruno and Autism Edmonton to borrow the sensory teepee concept, and it was brought forward to the KTC Health Children’s Team and KTC member Nations for consideration.
Sensory teepees acknowledge children’s differing sensory needs by offering various items and materials that stimulate or soothe the nervous system through the use of touch, sight, sound, pressure, balance, movement, etc. They are used as a break space for children to be able to regulate or take some time away from busy community settings or classroom environments before rejoining the group. An additional benefit is that sensory teepees can serve as a space for natural conversations about services and supports between families and providers.
The items included in the sensory teepee were sourced from various suppliers, including a local trapline (Calliou Trapping – Sucker Creek First Nation), Halford’s Edmonton, and Amazon. Naturally sourced items include: Beaver fur, rabbit, lynx, black fox tail, marten, muskrat, black mink, squirrel, weasel, horse hair, feathers, and deer hide. Commercially sourced items include: A weighted frog/snake, sensory peapod, body sock, vibrating/wiggle cushions, hokki/wobble stool, spin disc, turtle stepping stones, liquid fusion tiles, light box, texture mats, knot pillow, and fidget tools. The teepee and poles were sourced locally, from Marina Thunder — Whitefish Lake First Nation, and Roxanne Ominayak — Sucker Creek First Nation, respectively.
Some of the KTC Health Children’s Team Occupational Therapists recently had the pleasure of presenting the Sensory Teepee concept at the Treaty 8 Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Conference in Edmonton in November. It was a wonderful afternoon of collaboration, learning, and growth for everyone involved. Keep an eye out for the Sensory Teepee at an event near you!
