1) Elders believe the solution is returning to traditional cultural teachings, which would give Aboriginal youth pride and strength in their identity. 2) Traditional knowledge was rooted in understanding the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the circle of life. 3) Preserving cultural traditions and passing them to young people helps build the future while appreciating what was given by the Creator.

1. IN THE BEGINNING...

2. Coming back to our loved one’sall the way from hereUNREPENTANT: KEVIN ANNETT AND CANADA'S GENOCIDE (documentary)

3. Borrowed life is not our demise Elders believe firmly that the solution is a return to cultural teachings. Instead of feeling shame as Aboriginal people, youth and others would find in their Aboriginal identity a source of pride and strength. Elder Alex Skead Winnipeg, Manitoba22 April 1992 Traditional knowledge of the ways of the land was rooted in an understanding of the holistic, interrelated nature of the earth's ecosystems, of the Circle of Life. Albert Saddleman Kelowna, British Columbia16 June 1993

4. Our Culture and healing our way No Walls, No Wire, But I Will Never Run Away Cat Lake First Nation is not a prison without walls, it seem like it at times, but it is not, it is only in the minds of those that have never took the risk of thinking outside of govt assimilation. We are the people of this land, a land that God our Creator entrusted to us, so our healing and our peace can be also come from what he has touched, in this case we touch him through enjoying and appreciating what he has made for us, but we shall never take it for granted. Living a good life on the land is a blessing, and this is what the young people have to realize too as well. Teaching our young people that in preserving the past we also build our future. That is the blessing we all have to pass on while we still can.

6. Traditional knowledge of the ways of the land was rooted in an understanding of the holistic, interrelated nature of the earth's ecosystems, of the Circle of Life. Aboriginal notions of Nature’s Law have a much different focus and encompass all of this and more including: All of the elements that we would associate with genealogical relationships Ancestral spirits The workings of the cosmos The moral laws expressed in right living The succession of growing things in nature The range of senses and sensory perception The relationships between human beings and plants and animals and, finally, The interconnectedness across time, generations, natural processes and culture.

7. We have to start thinking for ourselves again. I have my own culture, and I still have my own mind, so that I can do things for myself as well as for my people. So don’t tell me I have no rights of my own.

10. We will not be moved. We are not white. "We are Anishinabe for life." It is who we are. We did not change. But we are known, and that in itself "has the greatest meaning."

11. -GCHI MIIGWETCH

14. [My post script]

15. Any person who does not uphold this Sovereignty and Self Determination and the recognition and protection of Indigenous Rights, is leading First Nations away from their main objectives, and is therefore, not fit to lead politically.

17. [One can never be super spiritual where one is no earthly good.]

19. Will you help ?

20. Get educated...better yet, educate and become the author.

21. Last quote; "When one works against the headship, the denying headship denies the children's future." Our people need our expertise.

23. “Our Culture and Healing Our Way.” I hope you enjoyed this awesome presentation. I hope it opened your eyes and made you realize that we have to do better than where we are at now. We have all our teachings to show us the way, so that our people can live a more healthy productive lives. Sincerely from Cat Lake First Nations Health Authority