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TRADITIONAL HEALTH GATHERING 
Women’s Talking Circle – Margaret 
Bear and Bev Gillard hosted talking 
circles that provided attendees a safe 
environment where they could be 
vulnerable. Elders were present to 
answer any questions participants may 
have had. 
Cradle Board Making – Attendees 
of these sessions were given the 
opportunity to learn how to swaddle 
their children and how to make their 
own cradle board, and were also give a 
history lesson on the cradle board.
Cree Language Teaching – Presented 
by John Watson & Robert Cote Jr. 
from the Ochapowace Nation. Robert 
provided foundational-level teaching 
to any who attended, primarily 
focusing on youth. Various games 
were played that promoted using the 
Cree language. John assisted with the 
more difficult pronunciation of Cree 
words and explained how important it 
was that the Cree language be learned 
and taught. 
Indian Residential School – Jeanne 
Sutherland shared her experience 
during her time attending residential 
school with attendees of this session. 
Grief & Loss – Reg Bugler, a grief 
counsellor, gave instruction on how 
one may deal with the grief that comes 
with loss. Visitors of these sessions said 
they left feeling comforted after being 
listened to by Reg and that it was a very 
healing experience. 
Naming Ceremonies – Presented by 
Sam Isaac and Trevor Cheekinew.
Tanning Hides – Lawrence and Lena 
Adams, from the Denesuline Nation 
of Fond du Lac, taught participants 
what it takes to prepare and tan hides. 
They showed a step-by-step process 
on how the tanning is done, while also 
answering any questions that partici-
pants may have had. 
Reflexology – Involves applying 
pressure to specific points on the feet, 
hands and ears to relieve tension, 
improve circulation and support the 
body’s natural healing processes. 
Participants of these sessions said they 
left feeling lighter, relieved from stress 
and that they could breathe better.
Traditional Healing – Healers were 
present during the gathering, offering 
traditional healing to those who 
needed it. Healers had an abundance of 
medicines prepared.
Tipi Teachings – Presented by 
Calvin Isaac.
Ribbon Skirt & Star Quilt Making 
– This session was led by Donna Bear, 
and all materials necessary to make 
the skirts and quilts were provided 
for participants. “The Healing Power 
of Sewing,” which includes stress 
reduction and relief, occupational 
therapy and assists in dealing with 
anxiety and grief. 
Canning – Gail Bear and Bernice 
Taypotat led a workshop that taught 
participants how to correctly and safely 
can homemade foods. Important sani-
tation and food safety practices were 
taught during the canning process. 
Participants canned their own fruits 
and jams.
Healing with Grandmother Spider 
Teachings – Calie Watcheston 
 The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations   21

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