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/.

Professor Cornel Pewewardy, a traditional Comanche-Kiowa elder, directs Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University. He addresses the detrimental impact of conventional education on

Professor Cornel Pewewardy, a traditional Comanche-Kiowa elder, directs Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University. He addresses the detrimental impact of conventional education on indigenous culture and language.

Pewewardy advocates for "re-traditionalization," a tribal approach to education designed to counteract these negative effects. He presented these ideas on February 11, 2011, in Portland, Oregon.

Mayan elder Flordemayo, one of the Thirteen Grandmothers, presented "Keys to Recognizing the Great Mystery." This insightful talk was recorded at the 2009