Before the findings.
Before the testimony.
Before the language of systems and timelines takes over.
There is a young woman at the centre of all of this.
Heather Winterstein was 24 years old.
Someone’s daughter.
A sister.
A friend.
She was loved.
She loved deeply.
She had a life that was still unfolding in ordinary and meaningful ways, through relationships, through creativity, through connection to people and place. There were days ahead that had not yet been lived. There was time that should have been hers.
And so, before anything else, we gather.
We gather in the ways we know how.
In quiet.
In prayer.
In remembrance.
Across communities, there are ribbon skirts worn with intention. There are hands that carry tobacco. There are pipes lifted in prayer. There are songs, some sung aloud, some held softly within, carried on breath, on memory, on spirit.
There is land beneath our feet.
There is water moving.
There are ancestors who have walked before us.
And in that space, we remember Heather.
In the days to come, there will be discussion of process. Of decisions. Of what was known and what should have been done. That work matters. It must happen.
But this is not only about process.
It is about a life that mattered.
A family that continues to carry loss.
A community that stands together, side by side, holding both grief and strength.
And it is also about something else.
It is about the possibility that truth, when faced honestly, can lead to change. That accountability can exist. That systems can respond differently. That what is learned here does not end in words alone, but in action.
That hope matters.
Not as something abstract, but as something grounded in responsibility. In the belief that what happened to Heather can help prevent harm to others. That her name, carried forward, can shape something different.
We carry her forward in a good way.
With ceremony.
With community.
With truth.
We invite you to learn more and follow this work.
Visit www.grandmothersvoice.com and scroll to the bottom to read the full series.
#GrandmothersVoice #HeatherWinterstein #SayHerName #IndigenousLivesMatter #Inquest #Truth #Accountability #Ceremony #IndigenousVoices #Community #Respect #CarryItForward #MotherEarth
Presented by Samantha Doxtater
Presented by GRANDMA RENEE
In a world seeking direction, Indigenous teachings offer clear and enduring policies for how to live in harmony with one another and the Earth. This workshop invites participants to explore the profound lessons of the Two Row Wampum Belt and other wampum belts as frameworks for mutual respect, environmental care, and collective well-being. These belts, created long before colonization, embody ancestral agreements that guide humanity on how to coexist with honor, dignity, and reciprocity.
Led by Grandmother Renee, this session emphasizes the importance of relearning and honoring the policies established by our ancestors, rather than creating new paths disconnected from this wisdom. Through the teachings of the belts, participants will uncover the principles of self-care, stewardship of the land, and respect for all beings. This is not about inventing something new—it is about rediscovering the instructions that were always there and committing to uphold them.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will be reminded that the wisdom of the belts is not only a guide for Indigenous communities but a path for all of humanity to walk together in respect and care for one another and the Earth.
Presented by Grandma Gail and Angela DeMontigny
Ceremony is more than tradition—it is a deliberate practice rooted in wisdom, responsibility, and foresight. This workshop explores the “science of ceremony” as a guide to living with intention and accountability for the next seven generations. Our ancestors used ceremony to prepare for the future, ensuring that their actions would benefit not only their own time but also those yet to come. Now, it is our responsibility to carry that practice forward.
Led by Grandmother Gail, this session will examine what has been lost and the actions we must take to restore, respect, and reclaim the ceremonial practices that ensure the well-being of future generations. Participants will be encouraged to reconnect with ceremony as a means of healing, reflection, and renewal, building a foundation of responsibility to guide us in restoring balance and harmony.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will rediscover the transformative power of ceremony as a pathway to healing, accountability, and preparation for a sustainable and harmonious future. Together, we will reaffirm our responsibility to the generations to come.
Presented by Asha Frost
Join Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer, teacher, and bestselling author, for a transformative workshop rooted in traditional teachings and the power of self-discovery. Asha’s work often centers on reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, embracing one’s authentic self, and creating pathways for healing and empowerment. Drawing from her Anishinaabe roots, she weaves stories, teachings, and practical tools to inspire participants to reclaim their power and align with their purpose.
Through her signature blend of traditional healing practices and modern insights, Asha guides participants in understanding how to honor their own journey, navigate challenges with resilience, and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. This workshop is an invitation to explore the sacred within and around us, fostering personal growth and collective transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you are seeking personal healing, professional inspiration, or a deeper connection to traditional wisdom, this session with Asha Frost promises to be a profound and enriching experience.
Presented by Allen Sutherland
The Seven Fires prophecy, as shared by seven prophets across different time periods, offers profound guidance for humanity’s path forward. According to Anishinaabe oral tradition, these teachings speak to the choices we face when the world has been polluted, and the waters turned bitter by disrespect. The prophecy teaches that humanity must choose between materialism and spirituality—one path leading to survival and the other to destruction.
In this workshop, Mishoomis Allen will guide participants through the teachings of the Seven Fires prophecy, exploring its relevance in today’s world and its call for spiritual renewal. Additionally, he will share his Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline, providing a broader context for understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of these teachings.
Key Takeaways:
This workshop offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on humanity’s collective responsibility and the transformative power of choosing a spiritual path for the survival of future generations.
Presented by Thohahoken Michael Doxtater
In this session, Thohahoken Michael Doxtater explores the ongoing impact of Canada’s colonial policies on Indigenous communities and the historical journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. He examines the systemic attempts to erase Indigenous identity, from residential schools to the suppression of cultural practices, and highlights Indigenous resilience and legal resistance. The presentation also delves into the concept of the “Canada Rafter,” a historical agreement acknowledging Canada’s adoption into the Indigenous Longhouse, raising the question: Has Canada truly upheld its responsibilities in this relationship?
