On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Grandmother’s Voice welcomed Dennis Windego to our sacred circle at Sitting with Elders. What followed was not just a talk—it was a transmission of medicine, memory, and truth.
Over the course of nearly two hours, Dennis shared what it means to heal from trauma in a way that is rooted in land, grounded in the body, and guided by spirit. He spoke openly of his time in residential school, of the pain and silence that shaped his early life, and of the disconnection that followed him into adulthood. But his story, like his name, moved through the darkness and into the light.
“I am land. I am medicine,” Dennis said. “We are land. We are medicine.”
These weren’t poetic words. They were a call to remember.
Dennis teaches Land-based Focusing Oriented Therapy, a practice that blends Indigenous wisdom with the somatic insights of Dr. Eugene Gendlin’s “felt sense” approach. But long before he knew it by any name, Dennis was practicing it through instinct and ancestral memory. As a child, he dissociated from abuse and was carried to safety by visions of water, trees, and otters. The land kept him alive. As an adult, returning to the land helped him heal—and gave him the teachings he now shares with others.
This is the foundation of the certificate program Indigenous Wisdom in Trauma Recovery: Land-based Focusing Oriented Therapy—now entering its third cohort in 2026–27. Those who learn with Dennis are not simply students; they are invited into a circle of transformation. With each breath, with each sound, with each movement of the body, we begin to remember what healing feels like. We begin to carry our own bundles.
To honour the power of this talk and carry it forward, we are launching a social media series called “Teachings from the Fire: Lessons with Dennis Windego.” Each post includes a direct quote from Dennis, accompanied by cultural, historical, and therapeutic context. These teachings are shared with his blessing and rooted in the integrity of his experience.
If you heard Dennis speak, you know the fire he carries. If you missed the gathering, this series is a chance to sit beside the fire and listen now.
Applications are now open for the 2026–27 cohort of our trauma recovery certificate program. This will be our third offering—and it will fill to capacity. Now is the time to explore funding options, begin your application, and reserve your space in this one-of-a-kind program led by Dennis Windego.
To learn more or register, visit: https://grandmothersvoice.com/trauma-recovery/
May these teachings walk with you.
May they remind you that you are not your trauma.
And may they bring you back to the land that never left you.
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?
