Gathering of the Wisdom Keepers of the Americas

Dear Editor: 

Earlier this year, I came across an invitation to all the Indigenous Wisdom Keepers of the Americas, taking place in Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. This invitation caught my interest as it related to our ancestral knowledge and reconnecting to our Spirituality. It brought to mind the teachings of my mother and godmother, two wonderful women who were my mentors. I can remember when they had their early morning tea and talked about life and more importantly the spirit world, the powers of the Puo’ins, interpretation of our dreams and how our ancestors were connected to mother earth and all living things. At times their stories were of ghost that roamed aimlessly seeking direction to the afterlife, and how our Puo’ins or Elders would guide them safely on their journey.

Dave Courchene, an Anishnaabe Elder and founder of Turtle Lodge, that maintains the fires of traditional knowledge and the community of Sagkeeng, went all out to welcome all nations. An atmosphere of respect, humility, and family greeted all that walked in; healers, bundle carriers, pipe holders, puo’inaq and shaman from different nations and some like myself, seeking understanding and knowledge of our sacred spirit world.

There were quest speakers from across North America including the 19th Generation Keeper of The Original Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, former AF ...

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