I intentionally chose a picture that visually represented what Justice Murray Sinclair was saying in the quote because I think it helps solidify the point. Indigenous communities have clearly stated what they need from governments and non-Indigenous communities and the steps that need to be taken. What is left now is the willingness and commitment to climb those stairs through the mountain to begin rebuilding trust. The steps in the picture are winding and slightly steep because it will not be a quick or simple journey to reconnect and repair with Indigenous Peoples. 

Throughout this course and exploring these artifacts, the most impactful aspect I begun understanding and experiencing is Indigenous community and teachings. Attending the Hide Tanning Camp at Chippewa with Emily and Izzy was an amazing experience. The atmosphere and energy were filled with joy, warmth, and love. Both days we were immediately welcomed with no questioning of why we were there, we were included and invited to participate in the different steps of hide tanning. I find it difficult to articulate the intensity of how I felt, almost a sense of being ‘home’, or why I felt it, but I am grateful. There were multiple times where I thought about how the willingness to welcome us opposes and shuts down the stereotype of Indigenous Peoples being angry and never willing to let non-Indigenous peoples on the reserve. This stereotype was also challenged by how prominent the topic of collective care was over the 2 days we were there. Albert spoke often about love which looks like not only loving ourselves but loving one another. He spoke about the need to support all human beings because we are all equal, nobody comes before anybody else, and nobody is higher than anyone else and spoke about community being there to support and guide. This was emphasized by how he told the children they are loved no matter what and are a priority in the community. This made me realize I wish I had been shown and taught that unconditional love. 

There were 3 classes from the school that came to see the event, of various age groups. They learned the reasons animals are used and the importance of respecting them, a few teachings, and there was an immediate readiness to participate or touch the hide and deer head; I was surprised to see (probably because I am a city kid). He gave a teaching to the older class when they were there and also giving us one about the story he referenced to the class, which I will forever be grateful for. After speaking to the classes, Albert Doxtator came over to Emily, Izzy, and I to share with us information about hide tanning and what they use each part of the animal for. I found the use of the antlers on the headdresses for chiefs and the hoofs on pow wow shoes or outfits fascinating because I never would have known what to use them for. On top of the teaching, he gave the class earlier, he also gave us the full teaching/story he referenced to the kids. Both teachings he gave us resonated. The importance of listening to what is around you, to those around you, and remembering all human beings are equal and need to be treated as such. The ways 4-legged creatures protect us by giving their life, water holding memories which explains why we remember so deeply, and the significance of the drum in Indigenous communities. I am incredibly grateful Albert shared not only the history behind hide tanning but the other teachings we well. 

            Seven Generations Principle, from the podcast, was another intriguing teaching. The concept that all our actions have ripple effects that can impact as far down as seven generations from now, and the idea that “we are borrowing this land from future generations”. This puts into perspective how intentional we need to be with choices, words, and actions. We are impacting humanity and future generations, not just ourselves. This teaching has existed for centuries in Indigenous culture, yet western medicine is only now catching up on the generational impact. The teachings from Albert, this podcast, and the community cannot simply be reflected in words or videos, it is something I felt in my soul, and I cannot image how impactful it must be for those reconnecting with a culture that was taken from them.