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 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), an Anishinabe Nation Elder and Spiritual Advisor for the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, served as Ceremonial Witness at the

Elder Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini – Leading Earth Man), an Anishinabe Nation Elder and Spiritual Advisor for the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, served as Ceremonial Witness at the First Nations’ National Guardians Gathering 2019.

Invited by the Heiltsuk and Squamish Nations, Elder Courchene offered concluding remarks at the gathering, held March 12-13, 2019, in Vancouver.

A full video of the gathering is available at ilinationhood.ca.

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.

The Turtle Lodge was built in 2002, following a vision received by Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini - Leading Earth Man) of the Anishnabe Nation, Eagle Clan. Learn more at