Coinciding with National Truth and Reconciliation Day, AMC and MFNERC hosted the Manitoba First Nations Languages Land-Based Gathering geared towards students from First Nations reserves and Grades Seven and Eight students in Winnipeg. One group travelled from Tataskweyak Cree Nation to participate in the two-day event.
Held at Kildonan Park on Sept. 27, the morning of day one featured five language tents highlighting the First Nations languages in Manitoba, with student-groups rotating to each for cultural teachings and language learning
In the Anishinaabe tent, Sophie Boulanger, MFNERC Curriculum Development Facilitator, explained how members of the Bear Clan traditionally held the role of healers and followed the lead of the bear, which uses its powerful nose to discover healing plants and avoid those of danger. Presenters passed around birchbark-biting artwork, mentioning how birchbark has properties to fight off dental decay (why you’ll often find birchbark as an ingredient in modern-day toothpaste).
Elder Wanbdi Wakita explained the meaning of the Flag Song at the Dakota Oyate tent. The song demonstrates how the Dakota honoured their pledge to help the British flight in WWII, which is why Dakota Peoples carry the Union Jack flag in Grand Entries to this day. He also mentioned that we all know a Dakota word—Tipi!
At the Dënësųłinë tent, Lucy Antsanen shared from her new book TthaNárɛltth’ɛr, Our Dene Hero. Aimed for early years’ readers, watch for the book’s release soon through MFNERC. She also had the audience laughing as they practised the Dene “th” sound, which challenged the mouth muscles of some.
Along with visual displays and a cultural presentation, the Nehethowuk/Ininewak tent treated attendees with bannock and fresh raspberry spread. In the Anishininiwak tent, Elder Nelliane Cromarty stressed the importance of the Seven Teachings for living a good life, along with the need to ensure the Ojibwe-Cree language flourishes.
Other on-site activities included traditional land-based games conducted by Norbert Mercredi, MFNERC Phys. Ed./ Health Program Facilitator, and arts and craft.
In the afternoon, introductions of Pride Powwow representative Darnell Mason, along with Tiny Tot rep Jolene Mallett, helped start off the powwow. Then, the swirling colours of the Fancy Shawl dance made the main tent come alive. An Honour Song allowed for all those affected by residential schools to dance for healing. The powwow ended with a give-away, where participants picked gifts from the centre of the dance area, and then a final inter-tribal dance.
Held in Sagkeeng First Nation at Turtle Lodge on Sept. 28, Saturday’s events included Traditional Teachings from Elder Dave Courchene, along with other Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. In addition to a Traditional Feast, students and other participants were gifted with the Anishinaabe Kagiizhiitaagoziwin (an Ojibwe prayer), which they can now share with others.
