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.

Mah Pe Ya Mini (Henry Skywater), a respected Dakota Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and ceremonial leader, often shared his "Spirit of Life" song. He connected it to the Dakota creation story: a blue

Mah Pe Ya Mini (Henry Skywater), a respected Dakota Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and ceremonial leader, often shared his "Spirit of Life" song. He connected it to the Dakota creation story: a blue light journeys from a heavenly house to a mother's womb, lives on Earth, and then returns to its celestial origin.

The song's essence, "Lightning beings! It's me! There is a house in the heavens where I was born," reflects this journey. Shared with his family's permission to continue his legacy, this video is posted on behalf of the Turtle Lodge, where Henry was an Elder, and Elders Circle Seven, who honored him with the Mikinak-Keya Spirit Tour. Learn more about Henry Skywater: Turtle Lodge.

On June 23, 2020, a panel discussion titled "Knowledge Keepers – Part 1" took place in Canada.

In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis

On June 23, 2020, a panel discussion titled "Knowledge Keepers – Part 1" took place in Canada.

In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree knowledge keeper Maria Campbell, and Inuk professor Dr. Karla J. Williamson participated. They were joined by Canadian Ministers Carolyn Bennett, Marc Miller, and Dan Vandal.

This first installment of a two-part conversation explored various important topics for Indigenous peoples across Canada. A transcript is available.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ministers Bennett, Miller, and Vandal participated in a panel discussion. They were joined by Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ministers Bennett, Miller, and Vandal participated in a panel discussion. They were joined by Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree knowledge keeper Maria Campbell, and Inuk professor and Elder Dr. Karla J. Williamson.

This first installment of a two-part conversation explores important topics for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Access the full transcript and the original video.

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/.

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.