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.

On June 23, 2020, a panel discussion titled "Knowledge Keepers – Part 1" took place in Canada.

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

On June 23, 2020, a panel discussion titled "Knowledge Keepers – Part 1" took place in Canada.

In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree knowledge keeper Maria Campbell, and Inuk professor Dr. Karla J. Williamson participated. They were joined by Canadian Ministers Carolyn Bennett, Marc Miller, and Dan Vandal.

This first installment of a two-part conversation explored various important topics for Indigenous peoples across Canada. A transcript is available.

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Series, Dialogue 1: 'Why Reconciling Ways of Knowing?'" originally streamed on July 27, 2020. Moderated by Valérie Courtois, this dialogue featured Miles

The "Reconciling Ways of Knowing Series, Dialogue 1: 'Why Reconciling Ways of Knowing?'" originally streamed on July 27, 2020. Moderated by Valérie Courtois, this dialogue featured Miles Richardson, O.C., Dr. David Suzuki, Dr. Nancy Turner, and Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr.

They explored the critical need for reconciliation between Indigenous and Western scientific ways of knowing and being. This national-scale dialogue highlighted how such reconciliation is essential for addressing growing stewardship challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and navigating post-COVID-19 impacts.

For more information, visit waysofknowingforum.ca/dialogue1 and turtlelodge.org.

Dave Courchene (Leading Earth Man) introduces Onjisay Aki, an Anishinabe term meaning "a changing Earth." This concept reflects the Original Peoples' millennia-long presence and the urgent need

Dave Courchene (Leading Earth Man) introduces Onjisay Aki, an Anishinabe term meaning "a changing Earth." This concept reflects the Original Peoples' millennia-long presence and the urgent need for humanity to adapt as our planet transforms. It also signifies a collective journey we must undertake.

Our ancestors established a path rooted in Indigenous values of respect, guiding us toward healthy relationships with each other and the Earth. Future generations depend on us to follow this trail of peace. A video, created with filmmakers Ian Mauro (Prairie Climate Centre) and Marcel Kreutzer (University of Winnipeg), further explains Onjisay Aki.

Discover more at www.turtlelodge.org and join The Turtle Lodge on Facebook.

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.