b'HEALING INITIATIVESThrough engagement with local Elders andan amazing opportunity for knowledge keepers, it was also understoodconnection as programming that in order to facilitate and supportwill all be based on local ceremonial work, a large portion of the landAnishinaabe approaches needed to be left undeveloped. As well,to healing.there have been teaching lodges set up and many full moon ceremonies conducted over the last year, allowing for women to gatherDIGGING INTO THE SOILin an outdoor space. Last summer, a part- Jeordie Pierre, a sheet nership between a local health access centremetal worker by trade from and Grand Council Treaty 3 led to a multi- Fort William First Nation day, traditional healers gathering, bringing(FWFN), has had the same together local communities with knowledgedream for a very long time. keepers. For Dreaver, It just solidified thatThere is a struggle for this was the work intended for the property.identity [with] our children To really support that kind of exchange andliving in the city, so I wanted for that kind of sharing to happen in a posi- to create a safe place for them tive space outdoors.to bring back our traditional Looking towards the future, the Kenoraand cultural values and to Chiefs Advisory was awarded Step Up Stepreintroduce that to our youth Down funding from Ontarios Ministry ofbecause it seems like theyve Health for a six-bed residential treatmentbeen lost for a long time, program, addressing a longstanding gaphe says. in service for the Northwest region. ThisThanks to the volunteerMore than 1,000 people have attended SOIL service, embedded in the property, createsefforts of Pierre and hissince the program launched four years agofamily, The School of Indigenous Learning (SOIL) is now in its fourth year of operation,name, so they brought a medicine man on providing a cultural environment for folks ofsite and held a name-giving ceremony. As all ages and experiences, using AnishinaabePierre sees it, Weve kind of lost touch with traditional knowledge and land-basedwhat we have in our backyard, which is the skills. Located in Neebing Township, 40land-based teachings. I really think that its kilometres south of Thunder Bay, theygoing to help our young people to under-currently have four tipis, two Elders cabins,stand and help them with their identity. an outdoor kitchen, and two sweat lodgesSOIL has also partnered with Creighton set up across a portion of 245 acres of forest.Youth Services, the Ontario Native Womens SOIL has never sought out any governmentAssociation (ONWA) and Nokiiwin Tribal funding so Pierre continues with his day jobCouncil who offered a chainsaw course, to keep the school going. This is all familycompleted with 16 youth and a certified driven with my dollar because I believeguide. The youth were paid $10 an hour, in what we do here and what were tryingobtained their official certification, and some to do.even had jobs lined up by the end. Pierres partner, a social worker, helps out with all of Approximately 1,000 attendees have comethe cooking, and participants are taught how The SOIL initiative provides anthrough SOIL in the summer months andto make fires and prepare food from the authentic Indigenous land-basedthere have been many highlights. Last year,land. Any money brought in from clientele experience for participants a youth asked to be given their traditionalgoes directly back to the school. Congratulations to ONWA on their publication She is Wise.We wish you continued success in your efforts to promote leadership roles for Indigenous women and girls.Connecting with Indigenous Communitieshttps://indigenous.link54Spring/Summer 2022'