Green Park
In September 2017, I sat with traditional Algonquin grandmothers on their traditional territory and asked what type of research they would be interested in participating in. The traditional Algonquin grandmothers have been provided the status of wisdom holders due to their knowledge and lived experiences as older women (50+). During their gathering which took place around a sacred fire, I informed them of my interest in completing research with them and
they agreed. It was decided upon during this gathering that I would work with them on language and culture models and how to best transfer the knowledge to others.
The traditional Algonquin grandmothers’ traditional territory is located past Maniwaki, Quebec, Canada on Hwy QC-117N, km 321 and 322 respectively. Please see attached map of grassroots community. The traditional Algonquin grandmothers hail from three separate First Nations: Kitigan Zibi First Nation, Barriere Lake First Nation, and Pikogan First Nation. With the help of Shannon Chief as co-researcher, we will be reviewing language and culture models and advising on how to transfer knowledge to others over the span of six (6) monthly gatherings.
Methods
Sample
There will be 7-10 traditional Algonquin grandmothers, ages 50+ and identify as female, and from the following nations: Kitigan Zibi, Barriere Lake, and Pikogan although they reside in the grassroots community. As with other gatherings held in their territory, it is the grandmothers who make the decisions, but males are invited to support their efforts. I will recruit the grandmothers, but will not turn away any male grandfathers who show up and wish to participate.
POWWOW’s
What better place to have POWWOW’s then right next to the free falls?
Knowing our culture this could be a solid gathering place for some of our traditions. We already have a presence on the islands called Aboriginal Experience, they teach bus loads of youth, teachers, schools some of the traditions. Let increase our cultural presence, we have alot to offer! A bird sanctuary could also be in place, many birds are
injured each year, here we could nuture that. There could be flora gardens that live past winter. Each tree found in the area could be found in on the island like the Arboretum. Great knowledge of natural medecins could be studied and shared. A necessary ways to heal!
First we must have cultural respect than we can have political understandings.
