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.

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.

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.

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).

November Project hosted "Going Beyond the Land Acknowledgement" with Elder Dr. Dave Courchene. This initiative seeks to implement Land Acknowledgements at all November Project locations, honoring

November Project hosted "Going Beyond the Land Acknowledgement" with Elder Dr. Dave Courchene. This initiative seeks to implement Land Acknowledgements at all November Project locations, honoring Indigenous people and their profound connection to the land, while also exploring deeper meanings beyond the initial practice.

In the accompanying video, Elder Dr. Courchene shares valuable knowledge on how to cultivate a deeper relationship with the land we live and move on. The insightful conversation is followed by a Q&A session.

This discussion originally aired on Monday, March 29th, 2021, at 6 PM CST.

This film delves into themes of inclusion, identity, and hand-drawn heroes, centered on mountain biker, skier, and artist Brooklyn Bell. Unable to find a hero, Bell created Ruby J, a comic

This film delves into themes of inclusion, identity, and hand-drawn heroes, centered on mountain biker, skier, and artist Brooklyn Bell. Unable to find a hero, Bell created Ruby J, a comic character who became her powerful role model.

Inspired by Ruby, Bell embraced the mantra to "live like her, breathe like her, be unapologetically black like her," ultimately forging her own identity through a blend of dirt, snow, art, and inclusion.

Directed by Dave Mayers and produced by Lauren Cerre and Dave Mayers, the film features cinematography by Joey Schusler and Jika Gonzalez, editing by Cameron Dennis, music by Jameson Williams, and graphics by Brooklyn Bell and Kris Cave.

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.

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.