On April 14, 2021, Elder Dr. Dave Courchene conducted a Traditional Naming Ceremony for the former Kapyong Barracks at Turtle Lodge, requested by the Treaty 1 Governing Council. The Anishinaabe

On April 14, 2021, Elder Dr. Dave Courchene conducted a Traditional Naming Ceremony for the former Kapyong Barracks at Turtle Lodge, requested by the Treaty 1 Governing Council. The Anishinaabe name unveiled was Naawi-Oodena, meaning “The Centre of the Heart and Community.”

The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness fosters reconnection to Earth and shares ancestral knowledge, founded on the 7 Sacred Laws.

Learn more at www.turtlelodge.org or follow us on Facebook (@turtlelodge), Twitter (@turtlelodge), and Instagram (@theturtlelodge).

The Turtle Lodge presents a special Winter Solstice event: "Lighting the Sacred Fire."

This presentation highlights Turtle Lodge Knowledge Keepers: Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother

The Turtle Lodge presents a special Winter Solstice event: "Lighting the Sacred Fire."

This presentation highlights Turtle Lodge Knowledge Keepers: Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother Jane Meader, Hereditary Chief Stephen Augustine, and Grandmother Katherine Whitecloud.

Enjoy performances by entertainers Buffy Sainte-Marie and Serena Ryder, with music from Melissa Etheridge and Archie Roach.

On November 18, 2016, Anishinabe Elder Dave Courchene hosted a gathering at the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba. The event focused on Indigenous perspectives regarding pipeline

On November 18, 2016, Anishinabe Elder Dave Courchene hosted a gathering at the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba. The event focused on Indigenous perspectives regarding pipeline development in the province.

Attendees represented a diverse cross-section, including federal and provincial government officials, energy companies, environmental organizations, legal professionals, and other Indigenous Elders and leaders.

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.

Anishinaabe Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene) advocates for youth to learn ancestral land stewardship, re-establishing a sacred relationship with Earth. His insights were central to

Anishinaabe Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene) advocates for youth to learn ancestral land stewardship, re-establishing a sacred relationship with Earth. His insights were central to "Setting the Foundation for Good Relations in Our Homeland," a January 2021 webinar where nearly 500 Canadian health leaders met virtually. Led by the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers, the event addressed racism in healthcare.

View presentation recordings here and download the transcript here.

The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness fosters reconnection to Earth and shares ancestral knowledge. Learn more at www.turtlelodge.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@turtlelodge), and Instagram (@theturtlelodge).

Ininiwak Elder Philip Paynter shares his COVID-19 vaccine experience and encourages others to take it. This message is Part 6 in a series from the Turtle Lodge Elders and Knowledge Keepers,

Ininiwak Elder Philip Paynter shares his COVID-19 vaccine experience and encourages others to take it. This message is Part 6 in a series from the Turtle Lodge Elders and Knowledge Keepers, addressing COVID-19, vaccines, and traditional medicine.

The series features various Elders, including Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing, and Chief Dr. Harry Bone, who discuss their perspectives on vaccination, spirituality, and balancing modern and traditional medicine. Watch Philip Paynter's message (also available in French) here: https://youtu.be/dq9oo5vH0R4. Additional parts of the series are also available online.

David Meslin, a Community Catalyst, explores why more people don't engage in local politics, despite its

David Meslin, a Community Catalyst, explores why more people don't engage in local politics, despite its direct impact on their lives through issues like schools, zoning, and elections.

Meslin argues that this lack of involvement isn't apathy. Instead, he identifies it as a complex "web of barriers" that actively reinforce disengagement. He advocates for collaborative efforts to dismantle these obstacles.

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.

Elder Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini – Leading Earth Man) presented "The Hope for Humanity – Preparing for a New Earth" at a 2018 meeting in Winnipeg. He emphasized that separateness and

Elder Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini – Leading Earth Man) presented "The Hope for Humanity – Preparing for a New Earth" at a 2018 meeting in Winnipeg. He emphasized that separateness and materialism contribute to a society plagued by fear, anger, and depression.

Explore a special collection of Elder Courchene's teachings on EarthSayers.tv: EarthSayers.tv Teachings.

Dave Dahl, founder of Dave's Killer Bread, transformed his life after serving 15 years in prison. He now leverages his past as a powerful promotional tool for his successful

Dave Dahl, founder of Dave's Killer Bread, transformed his life after serving 15 years in prison. He now leverages his past as a powerful promotional tool for his successful business.

Beyond personal success, Dave actively works to change the attitudes of other ex-offenders. He does this by setting an example and providing employment opportunities, turning a negative experience into a positive force for change.