Part Three: What Now? Healing, Justice, and the Voices of Our Grandmothers
By Jody Harbour I have walked the path of anger. I have stood in circles of grief. I have carried
Adapted from Voices of the Land
In the intricate tapestry of Anishinaabe wisdom, the connection between a husband’s experiences during his wife’s pregnancy and the well-being of the child is profound. This perspective extends beyond the physical realm, emphasizing the importance of a father’s actions and choices during this transformative period.
The core message revolves around the urgency of passing down the Anishinaabe Way to the younger generations. Amidst modern distractions like television, preserving cultural values becomes challenging, but we remain optimistic. Even a small dose of ancestral knowledge and wisdom, shared before someone walks out the door, has the potential to be retained and valued in the future.
Central to the discourse is the idea that positive change takes time, demanding patience and persistent effort. We urge against passivity, emphasizing the necessity of actively engaging with challenges and rectifying weaknesses. The power of thought is a tool for transformation, with the acknowledgement that meaningful change requires time and dedication.
We pray to Kje Manito, the Great Spirit, seeking guidance in fulfilling duties and responsibilities. The importance of recalling the good ways, teachings, and beliefs of the Anishinaabe people is stressed. The community’s historical emphasis on taking care of each other is a value that has eroded over time.
Reflecting on the past, we explore contrasting perspectives on ancestral life. Some believe that their ancestors had a good life, while others perceive it as impoverished. Despite challenges, our ancestors lived better lives. Consider the impact of contemporary eating habits on health. Perhaps a return to traditional practices of hunting and fishing for fresh and wholesome sustenance is part of what we need.
The Creator provided all the necessary resources for the Anishinaabe to thrive. The ancestors’ reliance on self-doctoring and traditional medicines is contrasted with the contemporary dependency on doctors and packaged foods. The erosion of ancestral knowledge is lamentable, and the gift of reason and thought is emphasized as a powerful tool that has been underutilized.
We conclude with a call to exercise the gift of reason and thought, emphasizing the need to prioritize essential thinking over materialistic distractions. The diminishing strength of minds and wills in the present generation is contrasted with the robust mental capacities of the ancestors, who possessed the ability to foresee future events through exercising their powers of thought. There must be a revival of such mental fortitude. Through continued dialogue, our community might reclaim lost aspects of their ancestral way of thinking.
By Jody Harbour I have walked the path of anger. I have stood in circles of grief. I have carried
By Jody HarbourSecond of a Three-Part Series (Originally published by Metroland) I want to say we’ve made progress. I want to
Grandmother’s Voice: Creating opportunities for Indigenous community members to share their teachings, healing practices and traditional handicraft creation with the broader community.
Elevating Indigenous Knowledge and Culture across Halton Region has been the foundation of our organization. Collectively, we continue to serve as a beacon for building awareness and fostering connectedness. Rooted in our Nation’s origins, we are dedicated to enhancing capacity and illuminating the landscape of Indigenous social services and determinants of health. Join us on this transformative journey as we strive to strengthen bonds, raise awareness, and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
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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
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?