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.

Yesterday, Elder Dr. Dave Courchene and his Vision of Turtle Lodge were honored at two simultaneous events.

Hundreds gathered at the Turtle Lodge for a tribute, while Governor General Mary

Yesterday, Elder Dr. Dave Courchene and his Vision of Turtle Lodge were honored at two simultaneous events.

Hundreds gathered at the Turtle Lodge for a tribute, while Governor General Mary Simon hosted a separate event in his honor at Rideau Hall.

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.

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.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, hundreds gathered at the Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness. The event was an Honouring Ceremony dedicated to Elder Dr. Dave

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, hundreds gathered at the Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness. The event was an Honouring Ceremony dedicated to Elder Dr. Dave Courchene and his Vision of Turtle Lodge.

During the ceremony, David Suzuki shared remarks, celebrating Dr. Courchene's contributions.

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 Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene) was unexpectedly invited by Ron Maclean to conduct the opening of last night's NHL game.

He utilized this platform to share a significant

Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene) was unexpectedly invited by Ron Maclean to conduct the opening of last night's NHL game.

He utilized this platform to share a significant message and teachings.

“Reconciling Ways of Knowing, Dialogue 4: Two-Eyed Seeing & Beyond” originally aired on October 28, 2020. This session featured Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, Drs. Jesse Popp, Andrea Reid,

“Reconciling Ways of Knowing, Dialogue 4: Two-Eyed Seeing & Beyond” originally aired on October 28, 2020. This session featured Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, Drs. Jesse Popp, Andrea Reid, and Deborah McGregor, moderated by Jacquie Miller, MA. They explored Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, a guiding principle developed by Elder Marshall.

Etuaptmumk emphasizes integrating two or more perspectives for improved outcomes. Understood as a gift of multiple viewpoints, this framework enhances our shared lives, including our relationship with the Earth. The discussion highlighted how Two-Eyed Seeing necessitates collaborative learning and understanding, drawing parallels with the Two-Row Wampum for guiding cross-cultural collaboration.