Engage for Change

Indigenous Culture

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Indigenous Identities and Cultural Resurgence

Indigenous Identities and Cultural Resurgence

What does it mean to have an ‘Indigenous identity?’ The word ‘Indigenous’ is problematic as it implies that Indigenous cultures are homogenous. In fact, there are over 600 Indigenous communities across Canada and over 50 Indigenous language groups. Indigenous cultures have unique histories, which are grounded in the territories and lands where they originate. Culture and ‘worldview’ are imbedded in Indigenous languages and cultural practices.

The Importance of 'Indigenous-led' - The Spirit of Collaboration

The Importance of 'Indigenous-led' - The Spirit of Collaboration

With the current narratives on reconciliation in Canada, there is an emphasis on ‘empowering Indigenous peoples,’ but what does that really mean? There have been countless initiatives, projects, workshops, symposiums, truth and reconciliation commissions by various organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and government - all dedicated to reconciliation… But, are they helping?

Nature Isn't Perfect

Nature Isn't Perfect

Years ago, I asked my grandmother, a wise Mohawk woman why her beaded key chain she handcrafted had a missing bead in her beadwork? Her response, “I always leave a bead, or put an entirely different coloured bead in my beadwork to remind me that no matter how beautiful my work is, it is not perfect. It will never compare to the grand perfection of the natural world we live in. The world so many people forget to be a part of.”  It wasn’t until after her passing that I begin to reflect on my time with my grandmother.

Do You Carry the Great Peace?

Do You Carry the Great Peace?

The story of the Peacemaker belongs to the Haudenosaunee; this summarized version aims to provide education and insight into the life and contributions of the Peacemaker and further; to the culture and traditions of the Haudenosaunee. The information presented was written with good intentions and with the upmost respect to the spirit of the Great Peace and the Great Law of Peace, to Haudenosaunee people and to all Indigenous peoples that maintain and protect traditional knowledge and ways of knowing.

Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen - Thanksgiving Address in Haudenosaunee Culture

Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen - Thanksgiving Address in Haudenosaunee Culture

In the Haudenosaunee language, the Thanksgiving Address is called Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen pronounced ‘Oh hon don Gar ee wah day kwon,’ which translates to “What we say before we do anything important.” In English, it is commonly known as the Opening Prayer, the Greetings (“giving greetings to the natural world”), and most commonly, the Thanksgiving Address.

In traditional Haudenosaunee culture, the Thanksgiving Address is spoken at the opening and closing of important cultural events, including traditional Haudenosaunee ceremonies, meetings and gatherings.

The Historical Importance of Corn to Haudenosaunee Culture

Corn

Corn or maize is an Indigenous North American plant and it plays an important role in Haudenosaunee history and culture. The Haudenosaunee cultivated and harvested corn on a large scale within the ancestral Haudenosaunee lands of present day New York State. Corn was a principle and favourite vegetable food of the Haudenosaunee and they harvested many variations.

Seven Generations – Thinking Beyond Our Time

Seven Generations – Thinking Beyond Our Time

Have you ever heard of the concept of ‘Seven Generations?’ This concept teaches us that our actions and decisions will affect seven generations after us. This teaching also challenges us to think beyond an individual level to make good decisions that will benefit seven generations. So, how does the concept of Seven Generations relate to reconciliation?

Who are the Indigenous Peoples of Kingston Today?

Who are the Indigenous Peoples of Kingston Today?

Today, Kingston continues to have a vibrant Indigenous population, with over 10,000 residents (approximately 8% of the population). Our current day population has Indigenous peoples from many different Indigenous cultural backgrounds – Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Mi’kmaq, Métis, Lakota, Huron, Sioux, Inuit, Cree, Stó:lō, and many more. The diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples makes Kingston a centre of rich Indigenous cultural identity, knowledge, language, and tradition.