Anishinaabe Knowledge Keeper Robert Maytwayashing, from Lake Manitoba First Nation and a member of the National Turtle Lodge Council, discusses his trust in humanity and his position on the

Anishinaabe Knowledge Keeper Robert Maytwayashing, from Lake Manitoba First Nation and a member of the National Turtle Lodge Council, discusses his trust in humanity and his position on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is Part 5 of a series from Turtle Lodge Elders and Knowledge Keepers on COVID-19, vaccines, and traditional medicine. Previous parts feature Elder Dr. Dave Courchene (Part 1), Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing (Part 2), Elder Chief Dr. Harry Bone (Part 3), and Grandmother Florence Paynter (Part 4). View the French version here. The full series includes: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Anishinaabe Grandmother Florence Paynter, a Knowledge Keeper and language speaker from Sandy Bay First Nation, explains her decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As a member of the National

Anishinaabe Grandmother Florence Paynter, a Knowledge Keeper and language speaker from Sandy Bay First Nation, explains her decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As a member of the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers, her message is significant.

This is Part 4 in a series from Turtle Lodge Elders and Knowledge Keepers addressing COVID-19, vaccines, and traditional medicine. Previous parts include Elder Dr. Dave Courchene (Part 1), Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing (Part 2), and Elder Chief Dr. Harry Bone (Part 3), who discuss balancing modern and traditional medicine.

A French version is also available: Cliquez ici pour la version française.

On November 12, 2020, the Reconciling Ways of Knowing Forum, with the Victoria Forum, hosted "Millennia of Experience: Drawing on Indigenous Knowledge in Responding to COVID-19." This dialogue

On November 12, 2020, the Reconciling Ways of Knowing Forum, with the Victoria Forum, hosted "Millennia of Experience: Drawing on Indigenous Knowledge in Responding to COVID-19." This dialogue explored how Indigenous knowledge and science can improve public health outcomes. First Nations communities notably experienced significantly lower COVID-19 infection (1/4) and mortality (1/5) rates.

Speakers discussed how Indigenous Peoples leveraged millennia of experience from past pandemics, using sovereignty and traditional medicines to protect communities and foster resilience. The session highlighted how Indigenous approaches mitigated negative health outcomes despite systemic challenges and marginalization, offering lessons for collaboration.

For more information, visit https://www.waysofknowingforum.ca/dialogue-5 and https://www.waysofknowingforum.ca.

Elder Dr. David Courchene introduced a Pipe ceremony at the launch of "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of the People: Clearing the Path to Our Survival," a new book by Turtle Lodge Knowledge Keepers.

Elder Dr. David Courchene introduced a Pipe ceremony at the launch of "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of the People: Clearing the Path to Our Survival," a new book by Turtle Lodge Knowledge Keepers. Watch his presentation introducing the book here.

The "Summary of Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival" is available for purchase. Find your copy at turtlelodge.org/wahbanung/.

On Earth Day 2020, Elder Nii Gaani Aki (Leading Earth Man), Dr. David Courchene of Turtle Lodge, Canada, shared a profound message.

He conveyed that Mother Earth is currently giving birth

On Earth Day 2020, Elder Nii Gaani Aki (Leading Earth Man), Dr. David Courchene of Turtle Lodge, Canada, shared a profound message.

He conveyed that Mother Earth is currently giving birth to a new life.

A message titled "A DREAM: Get Ready" was received by Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dave Courchene), Leading Earth Man, on September 25, 2018, and posted by The Turtle Lodge.

The message conveys an

A message titled "A DREAM: Get Ready" was received by Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dave Courchene), Leading Earth Man, on September 25, 2018, and posted by The Turtle Lodge.

The message conveys an urgent sense that "change is very close," leaving no time to waste. The recipient pondered if this change would be natural, like extreme weather, earthquakes, or hurricanes, or an an economic collapse akin to a severe depression. Reflecting on current world conditions, it emphasizes the undeniable need for a major shift in attitudes towards values that support life, urging us to be more kind, compassionate, giving, and sharing.

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Dialogue 2: Enacting Ethical Space in Knowledge Sharing" continued the conversation on Indigenous knowledge and science. This second dialogue specifically explored

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Dialogue 2: Enacting Ethical Space in Knowledge Sharing" continued the conversation on Indigenous knowledge and science. This second dialogue specifically explored Indigenous Ethics in relation to Indigenous knowledges.

It convened a diverse group of Indigenous knowledge holders, scholars, practitioners, and scientists to discuss these critical themes.

For more information, visit waysofknowingforum.ca/discussion2 and turtlelodge.org.

On February 7, 2021, David Courchene III hosted Session 2 via Zoom, featuring the Red Shadow Singers and Knowledge Keepers Mary and Robert Maytwayashing, and singer Cody Courchene. The session

On February 7, 2021, David Courchene III hosted Session 2 via Zoom, featuring the Red Shadow Singers and Knowledge Keepers Mary and Robert Maytwayashing, and singer Cody Courchene. The session focused on translating ceremonial songs.

Mary Maytwayashing shared the Ojibwe translation and significance of the Nibi Water Song, received in a dream. Cody Courchene presented the Turtle, Black Bear, and Calling In Songs, which were translated by Robert Maytwayashing.

Produced by David Courchene III and Pic River Development Corp (PRDC), this session built upon previous work. You can watch Red Shadow Singers Traditional Drum Songs: Learn the Meaning Behind the Songs (Session 1) here.

Elder Dave Courchene delivered a Convocation Address at the University of Winnipeg on June 13, 2019, where he was honored with a Doctor of Laws.

He urged humanity to confront the reality of

Elder Dave Courchene delivered a Convocation Address at the University of Winnipeg on June 13, 2019, where he was honored with a Doctor of Laws.

He urged humanity to confront the reality of its impact on Earth and ourselves. Courchene emphasized the critical need for good leadership, asserting that everyone possesses the capacity to lead.

The first Igniting the Fire Gathering, initiated by Elder Dave Courchene, occurred in 2006 at Manitou Api, a sacred site in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park. This event, featuring Elders

The first Igniting the Fire Gathering, initiated by Elder Dave Courchene, occurred in 2006 at Manitou Api, a sacred site in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park. This event, featuring Elders Robin Greene and Don Cardinal, reunited Original Peoples, with turtles symbolizing new life and Indigenous rebirth.

Now an annual event by Turtle Lodge, Igniting the Fire is open to all cultures, bringing nations to Manitou Api to share knowledge and ceremonies, with Elders transferring wisdom to youth. Attendance grew from 350 in 2006. Documentaries, including *The 8th Fire* (www.the8thfire.org), have featured the event. For more, visit Igniting the Fire or Dave Courchene Jr.