Anishinaabe Elders’ lifework recognized and honoured during Sacred Blanket Ceremony

September 18, 2018
On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, Grandmothers led two Sacred Blanket Ceremonies to raise up and recognize the tremendous contributions that Elders Edna Manitowabi and Jim Dumont have made to Anishinabe people. Their life’s work has been a blessing to our nations. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for all that they have done and continue to do.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON—The Anishinabek Nation made cultural history this past month by hosting the very first Traditional Medicine Gathering, on August 14-15, in Sault Ste. Marie.  The event named “Mino Mshkiki Maawnjidwin”, the “Good Medicine Gathering”, featured three incredible keynotes and 16 different workshops, focusing on a wide variety of different traditional medicines promoting healing for the mind, body and spirit.

There were teachings on medicines for diabetes, chronic pain and illness, addictions, traditional harvesting practices, the healing dress and many, many more. The event filled quickly with an estimated 170 Anishinabe people attending the event hosted by the Anishinabek Nation FASD Program.

“As more of the communities are moving towards land-based healing initiatives, we felt it imperative that we bring our Traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers together to create an opportunity to connect, as well as share knowledge and teachings,” said Conference Coordinator Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic. “We are so excited, we dreamed of a Gathering that was all Anishinabe Mshkiki, that was  rooted in Culture, Language and Spirituality and with the help of our Advisory Committee (Geesohns Manitowabi, Perry McLeod-Shabogesic and Bob Goulais) we were able to make that happen. Our events started at sunrise with teachings going until sunset.”

“The event also gave us an opportunity to recognize and thank two incredible Elders. Our Anishinabek Nation Grandmothers, which included Chief Veronica Waboose, led two sacred Blanket Ceremonies to honour Elders: Edna Manitowabi and Jim Dumont. Each has dedicated their lives to contributing to the well-being of our people and we wanted to let them know how much we have appreciated all they have done and all that they have shared,” added McLeod-Shabogesic. “We are in awe of the knowledge that each of them carries. Their life’s work has not been without sacrifice and we felt it important to take the opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of them.”

Elders Edna Manitowabi and Jim Dumont were recognized and honoured during a blanket ceremony for their life’s work.

“The event was so well received,” said McLeod-Shabogesic. “In compiling the feedback from our Traditional Medicine Conference, this note brought tears to my eyes: ‘My life has been really hard lately, being here and receiving these teachings was needed. This conference in all honesty saved my life. Meegwetch’.”

The Anishinabek Nation FASD Program would like to express its gratitude to all those Traditional Teachers who came and so generously shared their knowledge with all of the participants, Advisory Committee Members, co-workers and the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, and for all that they did to help make the event possible.  The FASD Program hopes to secure funding to help make this an annual event.