Advisors' Greetings

Cara Widrick
Traditional Advisor
"Kamahmobeyot Ikwezanzsuk" - "Girls Sitting Together" Program
Since August 1998

Within the Kamahmobeyot Ikwezanzsuk “Girls Sitting Together “ Project as the Traditional Advisor I am the keeper of the pipe, and responsible for the planning, implementation and facilitation of all traditional practices, ceremonies and cultural activities within the project. Some of the women’s teachings include the meaning and symbolism of the Water, Mother Earth, Grand Mother Moon, Skirt, Pipe, Sweat Lodge and Tipi. These teachings for the females are intertwined and in the program I have the opportunity to share with the female students the importance of the teachings and ceremonies for them as young women. We also have a gathering once a year called Entering Grandmothers Teaching Lodge, that female students get to attend and learn about their traditional way of life.

The female students are provided with opportunities and experiences to learn about the interconnectedness with the female roles and responsibilities to our personal life, families, communities and nations. The opportunity to share the teachings that correspond with the academic subjects is another way of implementing the understanding of womanhood and our roles and responsibilities in terms of contemporary society. These two ways of sharing the knowledge, teachings and providing experiences for the female students if very rewarding and supportive of the goals, visions and dreams for our future leaders.

Preston  Courchene
Traditional Advisor
Children of the Earth High School
Since November 2002

As the Traditional Advisor I am the keeper of the school pipe, and conduct ceremonies on behalf of Children of the Earth High School. I facilitate all the pipe ceremonies for each grade level, all feasts, gatherings, and sweat lodges. The seven sacred teachings are given throughout the school year in the pipe ceremonies, class presentations and gatherings. Each year I take a group of young men to the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng, MB to have a Sacred Fire on behalf of the students, families and community of Children of the Earth High School.

I am responsible for the planning, implementation and facilitation of all traditional teachings, ceremonies and activities for the school. My duties also include assisting and supporting with school planning and functions, activities, evaluations, meetings, and presentations when required.