Winter and Storytelling

Winter falls like a blanket, cold and dark, so the world can slow, rest and recharge. In many Indigenous cultures winter is a time of community and storytelling.  During the long, cold nights, children were taught about their history, their spirituality, the creation...

Taashkinikayen (Sharing)

In the Métis way, taashkinikayen (sharing) your gifts and abundance with others was a vital part of living. Children were taught to give from the heart freely and openly.  This value continues to be a big part of our communities today.  It is believed that the more...

The Lessons of Winter

As we shift into the time of Winter I am reminded of the myriad of lessons that accompany this season.  On the medicine wheel that I am most familiar with, Winter is in white at the North of the wheel.  This set of teachings belong to the wise ones who have lived a...

Frost Exploding Moon

This coming moon was known as Kise pism or Frost exploding moon because in the quiet of late winter our ancestors could hear the trees exploding from the extreme cold. In this time of deep cold my teachers seem drawn back to the words of their own elders and this...

The Quiet of Winter

The quiet of winter leaves so much space for truth, but are we prepared for Kwayesh chi totamik (Honesty) even with ourselves?  Traditionally, Metis people highly valued honesty. Parents were taught to serve as role models for honest behaviour. Other peoples’...