Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. David Courchene) shares Indigenous, land-based teachings for uncertain times, emphasizing healing, connection, and Mino-Pi-Mati-Si-Win – a Good and Peaceful Way of

Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. David Courchene) shares Indigenous, land-based teachings for uncertain times, emphasizing healing, connection, and Mino-Pi-Mati-Si-Win – a Good and Peaceful Way of Life. These ancestral insights remind us that harming nature harms ourselves, urging reconciliation with Mother Earth.

Our fragile existence depends entirely on the land. We are called to remember our Original Instructions, become true stewards, and teach this sacred relationship to future generations. Nature's urgent message is clear: change now, or we will not survive. Donations are welcomed towards The Turtle Lodge.

Mah Pe Ya Mini (Henry Skywater), a respected Dakota Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and ceremonial leader, often shared his "Spirit of Life" song. He connected it to the Dakota creation story: a blue

Mah Pe Ya Mini (Henry Skywater), a respected Dakota Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and ceremonial leader, often shared his "Spirit of Life" song. He connected it to the Dakota creation story: a blue light journeys from a heavenly house to a mother's womb, lives on Earth, and then returns to its celestial origin.

The song's essence, "Lightning beings! It's me! There is a house in the heavens where I was born," reflects this journey. Shared with his family's permission to continue his legacy, this video is posted on behalf of the Turtle Lodge, where Henry was an Elder, and Elders Circle Seven, who honored him with the Mikinak-Keya Spirit Tour. Learn more about Henry Skywater: Turtle Lodge.

Panel Discussion with Knowledge Keepers – Part 1/ June 23, 2020

(Canada)

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis

Panel Discussion with Knowledge Keepers – Part 1/ June 23, 2020

(Canada)

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree knowledge keeper Maria Campbell, and Inuk professor and Elder Dr. Karla J. Williamson participated in a panel discussion with Canadian Ministers Carolyn Bennett, Marc Miller, and Dan Vandal. This first installment in a two-part conversation touches on a variety of important topics to Indigenous peoples across Canada.(transcript)

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ministers Bennett, Miller, and Vandal participated in a panel discussion. They were joined by Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ministers Bennett, Miller, and Vandal participated in a panel discussion. They were joined by Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree knowledge keeper Maria Campbell, and Inuk professor and Elder Dr. Karla J. Williamson.

This first installment of a two-part conversation explores important topics for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Access the full transcript and the original video.

Yesterday, the National Turtle Lodge Council of Elders and Knowledge Keepers honored Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr. He was recognized for his leadership, service to the People and Mother Earth, and

Yesterday, the National Turtle Lodge Council of Elders and Knowledge Keepers honored Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr. He was recognized for his leadership, service to the People and Mother Earth, and his work in fulfilling the Turtle Lodge's vision.

His spiritual names, Nitamabit (The Original Way and One who Sits in Front) and Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), reflect his profound contributions to awakening, nurturing, and strengthening the spirit in all Peoples.