Moss bag exhibit brings Indigenous child-rearing practices to Calgary's Telus Spark

At a new exhibit at Calgary's Telus Spark Science Centre, Jessie Fiddler-Kiss demonstrated to a group of parents and small children how to wrap a baby in a moss bag. 

Fiddler-Kiss, a Métis woman, is one of the founders of The Moss Bag Project — an Indigenous-led non-profit that supports its communities through academic resources and traditional education.

She was on hand on Sunday to commemorate the new, permanent installation at the centre that's focused on moss bags.

"Many different nations use moss bags," said Fiddler-Kiss. "Moss bag is our way of greeting our babies with that love and letting them know that they're safe."

Moss bags have long played an important role in First Nations child rearing. They're made to provide the child with a comforting and safe surrounding. Traditionally made with sphagnum moss, they are also thought to have medicinal properties. First Nations women also shared that knowledge with the Métis community.

The partnership with Telus Spark means families from all backgrounds are getting a hands-on understanding of the mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of a moss bag. It also means more representation, awareness and acceptance.

"To feel the tactile nature of the moss, the beading , and to smell the leather and that's learning … you know we learn with our senses," said Kori Czuy, who is Cree-Métis and the manager of Indigenous Engagement. 

"I think it's really important to have that representation."

That representation will stay as a permanent learning centre as part of Spark's Indigenous Science programming.

For Fiddler-Kiss, that alone sends an important message of belonging. 

"Walking in as an Indigenous parent, so my family is Métis but walking in as a Métis person, as a mom, to see a space set up just for me would be .. brilliant," she said.

"I don't know, [it would] make me feel accepted, welcomed."

The moss bag project will also be offering elder teachings in the space in the future.