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Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Uniting Indigenous voices and  Indigenous ways of being as a tapestry towards the good life together.

Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Teachings

“Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing are holistic and based on local conditions which reflect the inter-relationships between people, animals, plants, and everything that exists in the ecosystem – including those things seen and unseen”

– Chiefs of Ontario, 2012.

The model above was designed by Brown and Brown (2009) to illustrate the circular process of understanding the world around us, sharing this understanding, and contributing to the knowledge and health of all by cultivating universal stewardship to promote biodiversity and sustainability.

VIDEOS

PLAYLIST

10 Videos

INDIGENOUS HISTORY

LINK TO IMAGE – download for ability to zoom and read more clearly

Indigenous peoples have lived on the land now commonly known as Turtle Island since time immemorial. “Turtle Island” is a name many Indigenous nations use to refer to North America and reflects Indigenous ways of understanding and relating to the land.

Those who arrived later through colonization are often referred to as settlers, while people born here today may recognize that their families or ancestors came to this land through settlement.

There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous nations across Turtle Island, each with their own unique cultures, languages, traditions, teachings, and governance systems. While every nation is different, many share a deep respect for Mother Earth, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the responsibility to care for the land and its gifts.

To better understand the ways Canadian policies and systems have attempted to control, assimilate, and harm Indigenous peoples throughout history — and how many of these impacts continue today — please review this PDF summary outlining the history and revisions of the Indian Act.

You are invited to explore the PDFs above to learn more about Indigenous history within Canada. We also encourage you to visit the following resources and articles to deepen your understanding of Indigenous peoples, histories, and perspectives across this land. Building this understanding can provide important context when engaging in volunteer work or relationship-building with Indigenous organizations and communities.

  1. Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action | The Caring Society
    Provides an accessible introduction to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Calls to Action, and the shared responsibility individuals and organizations have in supporting reconciliation.
  2. PUBLIC RESOURCES – FNMIEAO
    A collection of educational resources, including videos and learning materials that help provide further historical and cultural context.
  3. ETFO FNMI | First Nations, Métis and Inuit Resources from ETFO
    Offers educational resources and materials focused on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, perspectives, and teachings.
  4. University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Course
    A free online course that offers a more in-depth understanding of Indigenous histories, experiences, and Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.
  5. UNDRIP – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
    An international framework outlining the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples around the world, including rights related to culture, language, land, and self-determination.

Indigenous Education

Land-Based Teachings and Treaties

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Indigenous Education

Voice of the Land

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IMPORTANT READS

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP)

Indian Act

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY - 5 THINGS TO KNOW

The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials

The CMA’s apology to Indigenous Peoples [full statement]

The Urban Indigenous Action Plan

MMIWG Calls for Justice - Native Women's Association

Reconciliation and Decolonization Initiatives at Non- Governmental Organizations in Canada

They Came for the Children

Wahbung: Our Tomorrows

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Celestial Teachings: Ancestral Wisdom in the Stars

Presented by Samantha Doxtater

Join Samantha Doxtator for a powerful exploration of the stars as a source of ancestral wisdom and guidance. Rooted in Haudenosaunee traditions, this workshop delves into the timeless relationship between the cosmos, the land, and our collective journeys. Samantha shares stories and teachings that reveal how the stars have long served as roadmaps for navigating challenges, understanding identity, and connecting with our roots.
This session invites participants to explore deeper layers of celestial knowledge, uncovering how these teachings can inspire personal growth and collective healing. Through reflection and storytelling, attendees will gain insights into the sacred relationship between humanity and the universe, offering fresh perspectives on how ancestral wisdom can illuminate our paths forward.
Key Takeaways:
  • Insights into Indigenous teachings of the stars as tools for guidance and reflection.
  • A deeper understanding of the relationship between celestial wisdom and ancestral connection.
  • Practical ways to apply these teachings to personal growth and community healing.
  • Inspiring stories and perspectives to nurture a stronger connection to the cosmos and the land.
This workshop is an invitation to reflect on the stars’ enduring wisdom and their role in helping us navigate life with purpose, respect, and connection.
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Honoring the Wisdom of the Belts: Walking Together with the Two Row Wampum

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:

  • A deeper understanding of the Two Row Wampum Belt and its role as a policy for respect and coexistence.
  • Insights into the historical and contemporary relevance of wampum belts as guides for humanity.
  • The importance of honoring ancestral policies and learning from them instead of recreating new frameworks.
  • Practical ways to incorporate these teachings into personal, professional, and community practices.

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.

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The Science of Ceremony: Preparing for the Next Seven Generations

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:

  • Understanding the “science of ceremony” as a purposeful practice for long-term sustainability.
  • The role of ceremony in ensuring the well-being of the next seven generations.
  • Insights into the principles of restoring, respecting, and reclaiming traditional practices.
  • Practical steps to integrate ceremonial wisdom into personal, community, and organizational life.

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.

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Healing Through Indigenous Wisdom: A Journey

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:

  1. Insights into Indigenous wisdom and its relevance to personal and collective healing.
  2. Tools and practices to connect with ancestral teachings and align with one’s purpose.
  3. A deeper understanding of the importance of authenticity and self-compassion in the healing process.
  4. Inspiration and guidance for integrating Indigenous teachings into everyday life.
     

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.

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The Seven Fires: A Prophecy for Humanity

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:

  • Insights into the Seven Fires prophecy and its relevance to modern challenges.
  • An understanding of the critical choice between materialism and spirituality for humanity’s future.
  • Knowledge of the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline and its connection to the Seven Fires teachings.
  • Practical ways to integrate the spiritual teachings of the Seven Fires into personal and community practices.
     

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.

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Truth-telling and Living Our TRC History

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?

Key Takeaways:

  1. Canada’s Genocidal Legacy – Residential schools were part of a broader policy of forced assimilation, officially condemned as cultural genocide, with thousands of children never returning home.
  2. Extending the Rafters – The historical adoption of Canada into the Longhouse signifies an obligation to uphold Indigenous sovereignty and traditions—an obligation that remains unfulfilled.
  3. Reconciliation as Responsibility – Reconciliation is not simply about acknowledgment; it requires tangible actions that prove Canada’s commitment to becoming truly Indigenous to these lands.