b'IDENTITY AND HEALINGmeaning Shining Day Womanaenduring legacies of IndigenousThrough her work, Child exempli-pivotal moment that fortified hercommunities amidst systemic chal- fies a commitment to healing cultural identity and ignited herlenges. I write about Great Lakesthrough historical consciousness and courage to navigate lifes challenges,American Indian people, particularlycultural empowerment. By centering particularly within education inboarding schools, from the perspec- Indigenous narratives and experiences, colonial institutions. tive of Native people themselves, sheshe offers pathways for individuals For her, Absolons connection to theexplains. Child looks at generationsand communities to reclaim their land embodies the essence of culturalof resilience, considering the trans- identities, honour their heritage and restoration and spiritual reclamation.formative power of healing traditionsembark on journeys of healing and The land is integral to my healingin Indigenous historytraditions likecultural resurgence.practices, offering natural elements asthe jingle dress dance, which emerged medicine, she emphasizes. By incor- as a response to the trauma of the 1918Childs personal journey is knotted with porating land-based knowledge intoinfluenza pandemic. a commitment to cultural revitaliza-her work, Absolon facilitates profoundChilds research and publications nottion and community empowerment. healing journeys for others, recon- only serve as significant scholarly contri- As a member of the Red Lake Ojibwe necting them with life source energybutions, but they also play a crucial roleNation, she draws inspiration from through the land. in the healing and cultural revitalizationher ancestors who navigated deeper In urban environments, Absolonsof Indigenous communities, particularlyracism, discrimination and economic advocacy transcends geographicalthe Anishinaabe. One such publication,hardships. Remembering their resili-boundaries, encouraging individuals toBoarding School Seasons: American Indianence is crucial to healing and identity, reconnect with nature amidst bustlingFamilies, 1900-1940, documents theChild affirms.cityscapes. She believes that engaginginjustices faced by Indigenous families with the land can help to combat feel- within the residential school system. ings of isolation and restore purposeChilds recognition of their experiences within the circle of life, echoing rela- in colonial academic spaces acknow-tionality inherent to Indigenous ways ofledges the intergenerational impacts knowing and healing. on identity and community. In Holding Our World Together: Ojibwe Women and the BRENDA CHILD:Survival of Community, Child emphasizes NARRATIVES OF RESILIENCEthe inherent generational wisdom AND CULTURAL CONTINUITY of Indigenous women and cultural Dr. Brenda Child, the Northroppractices that are integral to community Professor of American Studies at thehealing and empowerment.University of Minnesota, focuses onAs an editor and curator, Childs collab-cultural resilience and historical story- orative projects, such as the Ojibwe and telling. Born on the Red Lake OjibweOhthi akwi Artists and Knowledge Reservation in northern Minnesota,Keepers art exhibition, showcase Childs contributions navigate theIndigenous artistry and cultural complex narratives of Great Lakesknowledge. By providing platforms for American Indian people, particularlyIndigenous artists to share their stories through the lens of Ojibwe history andand perspectives, Child fosters connec-womens experiences. tions between past, present and future Childs work, grounded in historicalgenerations that contribute to processes narratives and community-centredof cultural revitalization and resilience perspectives, sheds light on thewithin Indigenous communities.land Aboriginal Womens und Nwfo etwNe orkTRADES | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | SKILLS TRAININGThe Newfoundland Aboriginal Womens Network16 SUNRISE COURT, OHSWEKENON Supporting & Empowering Indigenous Women& their Families since 2005.@OSTTC @OSTTC.sn T: 519-445-1515|OSTTC.COM 90 Main St, Stephenville, NL A2N 1J3Phone: 709-643-4563 | Email: nawn@nf.aibn.com 38Spring/Summer 2024'