TRADITIONAL SOLUTIONS
Throughout this manual, we have seen that both remembering where we come from and respecting the teachings of our ancestors are at the core of setting ourselves up for success.The Seven Sacred Truths—love, respect, courage, strength, honesty, truth and humility—assist us in remembering what is important in life, and in the self-reflection that goes hand-in- hand with our ceremonies. Reggie Crowshoe, an influential Piikani elder shared, “Creator gave us two things in life: the ability to purify ourselves and the ability to protect ourselves.” This ismade possible through ceremony and connecting with our true potential and spirit. Remember that whenever you feel alone in life, all the ancestors that have come before you and all the future generations that will come after you are standing with you.
Look for opportunities to attend a ceremony with a relative or to speak with someone in your community whom you trust. If you live in an urban centre, the Friendship Centre or a First Nations community centre can assist in helping you find a ceremony
led by a local elder. Participating in talking circles is another traditional solution to help live a healthy lifestyle. Round dances, powwows, beading classes, and community events are other traditional solutions to help give you a sense of belonging and help teach life lessons. Sometimes lessons are given to you when you are participating in an event. This may occur in silence— finding inner peace with yourself—as you sit beading with grandmothers, or even as you sit quietly on a bus while travelling to an event.
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If you live in an urban setting away from your community, you can still participate in traditional solutions. For example, you could have a daily smudge when you wake up, or use the time while you are running or playing a sport to self-reflect and focus on the positive things in life. Remember, life is a process. As a good relative, you can use every moment to act in a good way. Living in a good way is not something you can compartmentalize or delegate to a certain day of the week. Rather, it is about acting and living it every second of your life. It is about self-reflection and building a strong relationship with elders.
Elders are the Knowledge Keepers of our cultures. They are some of the greatest teachers in life. They have experienced life, made mistakes, and gained wisdom that can only be obtained by doing. In this world of materialism and accumulation of earthly wealth, respecting and cherishing our elders is uncommon. Instead, elders are sometimes treated as though they no longer have anything to offer. Remembering the importance of elders and seeking them out for guidance to discuss challenges as well as opportunities, will provide valuable insight as we learn to walk in balance.
five traditional solutions for your daily life
1. Smudge every morning and offer words of prayer.
2. Spend five minutes of your day in reflection and meditation.
3. Take the time to pick up the phone and call your elders (aunties, uncles, grandparents, mom, or dad).
4. Find the next sweat lodge ceremony through the community centre or Friendship Centre.
5. Read motivating books by Indigenous writers that relate to aspects you wish to develop in your personal life.