b'FLOWERING MOONunderstand [that] we also carry ancestral wisdom, knowledge that the world really needs right now, she says. We just need to be supported to be who we [are] truly meant to be as Indigenous people. So, I put a lot of pressure on Canada and the govern-ment to do what they need to do to step up and into the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.I also push on every citizen that theyre just as accountable, that we all have work to do to [act on] the Calls, she adds. Canada can become a country that is built on equality and respect for all and also understands our sovereign rights as Indigenous people.Growing up, Sutherland points to her family as key role models. I love my momMy greatest achievement is my commit- those we have lost. We led a spirit walk, and dad so much, and theyve always justment to my healing, and helping othershonoured survivors with eagle feathersit taught me that love comes first, the powerto do the same, Sutherland says. I amwas so beautiful.of kinship, love for each other and love forhonoured to be a healer and to offer a the land, she says. Im always so gratefulsacred space that so many people find safeLooking ahead, Sutherland hopes to for growing up in a healthy home because Iand inclusive. Ive always wanted to givewrite a book and to create a bigger know many Indigenous people did not. people that place that they can call homehealing lodge and sanctuary. I didnt and a place they feel like they belong,know I was going to be a speaker, but I Outside of her family, Sutherland pointsand [where they] feel like they can go tofeel so passionate about the teachings to Cindy Blackstock, executive directorbe exactly who they are meant to be. [Iand wanting people to learn them. It at First Nations Child and Family Caringam honoured to bridge] our Indigenoushas led me to many different platforms Society, the late Honourable Murrayancient doctoring into mainstream healthwhere I get to speak to different groups Sinclair and Kokum Margaret Behan, Redcare and partnering with so many incred- of people, Sutherland says. I love Spider Woman, one of the 13 Originalible organizations that support our mostholding space for healing; its the most Grandmothers Who Counsel the World, asvulnerable populations. important thing that I do. Were working additional role models. And my aunties,on creating more ceremonial spaces on these women I call my aunties, [they] keepSutherland recognizes the importance me rooted in tradition and healing, andof ceremony in the work she does withthe land.ensure I am living life as a ceremony,community. In 2021 and 2022, alongside aSutherland says her advice for the Sutherland says. group of Indigenous women, Sutherlandnext generation of Indigenous women When asked about her proudest achieve- helped organize a Remember Meis to return to the ceremonies and ments, Sutherland points to her family:Ceremony on September 30, Orange Shirtcelebrate sisterhood.Day (also known as the National Day for her three children and her husband, whoTruth and Reconciliation). I really strongly believe in bringing uplifts her and is a huge part of the work she does. She is also proud to offer theWe had 7,000 people show up,back the matriarchy that this country so Misiwe Ni Relations Healing Lodge to offerSutherland says. It was a beautiful daydesperately needs, Sutherland says. I to the community, to be a woman entre- for ceremony, a day to show support toreally want women to return to the cere-preneur of her business Red Stone Snakesurvivors, a day to bring everybody together,monies, embrace their sacred feminine Woman and, in general, to be able to followwhether youre Indigenous or not, toenergy and allow themselves to rise into her passions. remember the children and commemoratetheir power. Beendigen is here for you on your healing journey. www.beendigen.comOntario Native Womens Association27'