Abstract
In Cree, nêhiýawâtisiwin means "living a traditional Cree life." Indigenous communities have lived in respectful, relational, and reciprocal ways with all relations. The contemporary understanding of miýo-pimâtisiwin (lives a good life) has been disrupted by globalization and colonial attempts at cultural genocide. This autoethnographic research shares traditional Indigenous pedagogy of intergenerational learning to uplift cultural resurgence. Stories and knowledge shared generationally by Elders is the oldest form of pedagogy, along with learning from Creation. Elders have been taught by their Elders and community, who have all been shaped by specific land areas. The uniqueness and aliveness of the land shapes cultures, languages, Ceremonies, and traditions. The Indigenist literature recommends reconnection to land, Ceremony, community, Elders, kinships, and traditional practices for future generations to flourish. Comprehension of Indigeneity relationally perpetuates and propels wholistic wellness forward to benefit all life. This is reflected in the natural regeneration processes found in the bush. Natural life cycles nourish and regenerate new life. Indigenous people have the right to continue natural ways of nourishing proceeding generations. The efficiency of transferring intergenerational knowledge is imperative for Indigenous people's spiritual, emotional, cognitive, sociocultural, and overall health. Indigenous self-determination is imperative on the path towards social justice, as respecting traditional ways allows individual and collective natures to grow. Nêhiyaw (Cree) scholar, Amanda Fraser will present autoethnographic research of journeying with the intergenerational knowledge and stories shared by nimosôm (my grandfather) and nicâpân (my great-grandmother) from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.
Author Information
Amanda Fraser, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
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