There are some stories that ask us to slow down. To listen more carefully. To remember that behind every headline, every report, every process, there is a life that was lived fully, and a family that continues to carry that love forward.
Heather Winterstein was one of those lives.
She was a young Indigenous woman, a member of the Cayuga Nation with ties to Six Nations. She was described by her family as someone who loved deeply and moved through the world with a quiet strength. She had a passion for the arts and for nature, and those who knew her speak of her gentleness, her kindness, and the way she connected with others.
When her aunt speaks about her, she does not begin with how Heather died. She begins with how she lived. A beautiful person, inside and out. Someone who spoke softly, who cared deeply, who mattered.
That is where we must begin too.
Because too often, Indigenous lives are reduced to moments of crisis. Stories are told through systems, through reports, through outcomes, and in that telling, something essential is lost. The fullness of a person’s life. Their relationships. Their spirit.
Heather’s life deserves to be held in its entirety.
At the same time, her death cannot be separated from the systems she encountered. In December 2021, Heather sought care at a hospital in St. Catharines while experiencing severe pain. She was assessed and discharged. She returned the following day in worsening condition. Within hours, she collapsed. Despite efforts to save her, she died.
Her death was later determined to be caused by sepsis.
For her family, the grief has been profound and ongoing. But alongside that grief has been something else. A commitment to ensuring that what happened to Heather is not dismissed, not minimized, and not repeated.
Her family has continued to ask questions. They have continued to seek understanding. And they have continued to advocate, not only for Heather, but for others who may face similar experiences.
That advocacy has led to the upcoming coroner’s inquest into Heather’s death.
But before that process begins, her family and community are coming together in another way.
On March 26, all are welcome to join in honouring Heather’s life at Sessions On The River in an uplifting gathering rooted in love, remembrance, and community. The evening will bring together family, friends, and local artists to celebrate Heather’s life through music, prayer, and shared presence.
The gathering begins with a memorial service at 6pm, followed by a concert in her honour. Doors open at 5pm, and admission is free. Those attending are invited to wear pink for Heather, a simple but meaningful way to stand together in her memory.
This is more than an event. It is a moment of coming together in a good way. A space to pray for guidance, for Heather’s spirit, for her family, and for the inquest process ahead. A space to hold one another, to reflect, and to move forward with intention.
In the spirit of peace and truth, the community will gather not only to remember Heather, but to honour her through action. To ensure that her story continues to call for something better.
Because that is what her life, and her legacy, asks of us.
As this process unfolds, it is important that we remember her in a good way. Not only through the circumstances of her death, but through the fullness of who she was. A daughter, a niece, a community member, a young woman whose life had meaning.
We carry her name forward with care.
And in doing so, we also carry a responsibility. To listen. To learn. And to ensure that her story contributes to the change her family continues to call for.
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?
