As the September Equinox arrives on Sept. 23, daylight and darkness briefly meet in perfect balance. For Inn from the Cold, this moment offers an opportunity to reflect on balance, renewal and the teachings shared by the Indigenous Nations whose traditional lands we live and work on.
Treaty 7 territory is home to the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney. Each Nation carries its own ways of marking seasonal change, but all share a deep relationship with the land and its cycles. The equinox is not simply a date on the calendar — it is a reminder of interdependence, preparation and respect for the natural world.
For Blackfoot communities, seasonal transitions have long guided movement, gathering and community responsibilities. Fall is a time to prepare, to honour what has been harvested and to acknowledge the work ahead. Among Tsuut’ina people, the shift in seasons is tied to readiness and collective care, ensuring families and community members have what they need as colder weather approaches. The Stoney Nakoda Nations emphasize the land as teacher, offering guidance through observation — the changing light, the behaviour of animals, and the rhythm of the environment all signal when it is time to adapt.
These teachings resonate deeply with our mission. At Inn from the Cold, we support families as they navigate their own transitions — from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to hope. The equinox reminds us that balance is not achieved alone. It is created through relationships, community support and shared responsibility.
We honour Indigenous knowledge by embedding culturally safe care into our work, listening to Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and recognizing that healing is connected to land, culture and identity. As the season shifts, we remain committed to walking alongside families, ensuring they have the stability, warmth and support needed for the months ahead.
The equinox teaches us that change is inevitable — but with community, it can also be grounding.
