Nookoomuk – Ogichitakwewak (Grandmothers & Women’s) Gathering at Turtle Lodge, March 5-6, 2015
In 2013 & 2014, Grandmothers and Women came together with support from the Men to express their voices and initiate discussions on their roles as Nookoomuk-Ogichitakweg (Grandmothers). The Grandmothers have issued a Statement that affirms their Sacred Duty and commitment to action that will restore balance what has been unbalanced.
These important discussions will continue on March 5 & 6, 2015 at the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba. Grandmothers and Women, other Elders, Men, and Knowledge Keepers and anyone who is interested are invited and welcome to attend.
Location
At the Turtle Lodge in the Sagkeeng First Nation in southeastern Manitoba: a place built from a vision, with volunteer assistance and which is completely independent from outside organizations, associations and funding Camping is available on site and hotels are available nearby. http://www.turtlelodge.org/about/
Cost
Communities are invited to sponsor a Youth or Grandmother/Elder’s expenses. Please bring a dish to share at the Potluck Feasts each noontime, tobacco, and a donation of your choice to contribute to the gathering. There will be a Aandego Debiki Giizis (Crow Moon) Full Moon Ceremony the evening of March 6, 2014, beginning with a Potluck Feast at 6 pm. Please bring yellow cloth and tobacco for your offering, and a dish to share. The Turtle Lodge does not provide dishware and cutlery – please bring your own!
Contact
turtlelodge@mts.net
AGENDA – Tentative
Day One – March 5, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Morning session:- Engaging Our Community – People Power
a. Presentation by Seven Feathers & AMC
b. Focused Discussion
- Purpose
- Principles
- Process
- How do we engage community member on-reserve?
- How do we engage community members off-reserve?
2. Grandmothers Report “Listening So We May Live: Guidance and Direction from Our Grandmothers”– Presentation by ICMFNH
- Discussion Questions (Actions):
a. How do we connect the Grandmothers with the children?
i. First Nations communities
ii. Urban Centres
b. How can we work with the education systems?
i. First Nations communities
ii. Urban Centres
iii. PSE
Break- Families First – Presentation by AMC
- Group Activities – Determining Next Steps
- Bringing Our Children Home
a. Preparing communities (on and off reserve) to bring children home
b. Leading prevention
Lunch- c. Family Advocacy – Roles & Responsibilities
i. Cultural/Spiritual (Grandmothers & Elders Council)
ii. Political/Economic (GCO)
2. Next Steps – Actions Required
3. Closing Comments & Prayers
Evening Session: 6:00 p.m. Potluck Feast (Please bring a dish to share) 7:00 p.m. Full Moon Ceremony
