Our stories are the seeds we plant for the coming generations. Whether they are read in the mind or heard by the spirit when an Elder shares in a traditional way, orally, they become a part of the spirit of those who will house them until the next generation.

If you really sit with it, pray about it, mull it over, and then let it go, the teaching will come.

О̂hkomimâwak (grandmothers) are very generous people. They will feed you, clothe you, guide you, and love you unconditionally. They are generous with stories and teachings, and their ways of shaping youth through subtle, practical mentorship. They are also generous with their honesty - they will be honest so that the relationship can be true and connection strong, and so a person they are in relationship with has the opportunity to learn. Honesty and integrity requires a level of hardwork and bravery and О̂hkomimâwak are not afraid to love, to be humble, to see their people through struggles and hardship, and to stand up for what is right - to protect their children, grandchildren, and their culture and resources for future generations. They are brave to do a lot of healing in order to be able to be kind, humble, patient, generous, and honest. This is kisewatisiwin (kindness) in action.

Don't judge, just smudge.

 Culture cannot be bought or sold, or learned from Uncle Google.

Praying is a part of healing because it might be the first time any of us stop and say "I need healing," or "I need guidance," or help. And the reality is, no matter how much society wants to keep us all separate, independent, and responsible only for our own lives and livelihoods, we are vulnerable, interdependent beings. That does not make us weak. Interdependence makes us stronger if we are accountable and aware of our relationships. We need support and nurturing from others and the spirit world. Being resourceful, accountable, and responsible is a spiritual journey.

Don't harvest anything unless you first offer tobacco. Practise non-interference when someone is having a learning experience, don't take away the learning from them by telling them what to do and how. Know when to stand up for something, and when to let go and continue on peacefully. Be honourable to people, animals, and the earth regardless of what has been done to you. Take care of the water, because water is life.

At one time, the bush was the grocery store, the pharmacy, and the craft store. 

There is a continuum through the current and future generations, and past generations, and our body and blood remembers. Our DNA remembers up to six generations according to modern science. According to some Elders, it is seven generations. The name can serve as a reminder of our blood memory, and of this connection with our ancestors, that may come and gone before us.

Ceremonies can help heal disconnections. There are ways to make space for emotion that could turn into anger if not acknowledged and processed, and one of them is ceremony.

Kisewatisiwin - A personal commitment to humility, prayer, and loving kindness towards all things

Niwâhkômâkanak - My relations (we are all related in the Creator's eyes)

Kikawinaw Askiy - Mother Earth

Tipiskâwi-pîsim - Moon

Iskotew - Fire

Real learning happens only through relationship.

The tellers of stories are weavers, their designs are the threads of their personal sagas as well as the history of their whole people. Though the designs are always traditional, the hands that weave them are always new. Future generations are the new knots Creator ties onto the threads that weave together our families, communities, and Nations in the wider fabric of the cosmos.