Honouring Sacred Lives: Remembering and Committing to Change
We gather in shared grief and reflection, remembering the devastating loss of 14 women at École Polytechnique 35 years ago.
Adapted from the writings of Kate Assinewe, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
In the past, Indigenous elders held a position of utmost respect and trust within their communities. When parents needed to leave home, they entrusted their young ones to the care of an elder. The children would pay close attention to the advice these respected people shared. Wherever a family travelled, a particular elder accompanied them. This elder was chosen because of their profound knowledge, foresight, extensive life experience, and unique qualities.
The elders had a calm and peaceful demeanour. Their presence provided a sense of security for those under their guidance. Indigenous people always had elders in their lives, like Kate’s 90-year-old babysitter who communicated solely in the native language. She once said, “One day your doodem will look after you, like your guardian angel.” While caring for a 94-year-old man, Kate was told, “You have been good to me, and I will always be with you.” These words underscore the deep connection and respect that exists between Indigenous people and their elders.
This profound respect for elders is an integral part of Indigenous history and tradition. It signifies the importance of nurturing and passing down the wisdom of the elders to future generations. The role of Indigenous elders continues to play a vital role in contemporary Indigenous education and the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation.
In Indigenous communities of the past, each child’s birth was accompanied by a significant and meaningful event. An elder or wise member of the community would bestow a name on the child. This name, given with great purpose and ceremony, connected the child to the Great Spirit and the community’s collective identity. Your name is to be upheld with honour and respect in all aspects of life, including prayers, ceremonies, public duties, and healing rituals.
The name became more than just a label; it shaped the child’s personality and identity as they grew. Other generations sought to preserve and cherish these names, ensuring their enduring legacy. Acknowledging and using the child’s name in all references became a crucial part of daily life, instilling meaning in every activity.
One vital aspect of nurturing Indigenous identity and culture is teaching the child the language of their people. Encouraging them to grow strong and proud, free from the shame of their heritage, is essential. The importance of carrying one’s name and heritage was emphasized, as it was instrumental in preserving Indigenous culture.
This dedication to culture, language, and the wisdom passed down by elders is how Indigenous culture continues to flourish. It remains a way of life, a gift from the Great Spirit to the Aboriginal people. Each individual possesses the knowledge and gifts to perpetuate their culture through their language, customs, and the teachings of their respected elders.
Incorporating and passing on these values to younger generations is not only a part of Indigenous history but also a vital aspect of Indigenous education. It forms a critical component of the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation, ensuring that the cultural richness and wisdom of Indigenous communities thrive and endure.
We gather in shared grief and reflection, remembering the devastating loss of 14 women at École Polytechnique 35 years ago.
Taken from the foreword of Voices of the Land, 1993. When the Elders met at the gathering “The Voice of
Grandmother’s Voice: Creating opportunities for Indigenous community members to share their teachings, healing practices and traditional handicraft creation with the broader community.
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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
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