Bringing Them Home 

Importantly, Bringing Them Home extended an invitation to Elders and survivors within Miskanawah’s community network to participate in collective healing. Grounded in the teachings of wahkotiwin (Cree Natural Law of interconnection and kinship), connecting our Elders, survivors, and the spirits of those who never made it home to the land and sacred fire was at the heart of this offering. We wish to honour and acknowledge the circle of Elders who joined us on the land: Florence and Wallace Alexson, Reg and Rose Crowshoe, Patricia and Patrick Daigneault, Violet March, Elizabeth Nadolnick, Pablo Russell, Ruth Scalplock, Blair Thomas, and Emile Ward. We would also like to extend a special thank you to three of our grandmothers who joined for all four days and three evenings.

In a deeply meaningful turn, this event is centered on the experience of our Elders, who have long dedicated themselves to others, offering their wisdom, healing, and spiritual guidance. This event provided a sacred space for them to replenish their spirits, find solace, and support them in their own healing journey. A special occasion for the Elders, who often place the community's needs before their own, were the recipients of collective care and intentional healing. Bringing Them Home was a humble way for the community to express gratitude and give back to those who have been the foundation of our shared journey.

In the words of Dene Elder, Violet March:
“Exciting conversations and taking a trip down memory lane brought tears of healing, not to mention sharing our wisdom of life experiences and lessons learned over the years. On our last night, sitting around the Sacred Fire, now I’m belly laughing, the jokes, the games, the inclusion, the participation, all brought us closer together. Grandmother Moon, the bright dancing stars shone brightly on my face as I went into a deep twelve-hour sleep. Thank you for your kindness Mother Earth. … Miskanawah staff, there are not enough words to tell you how much you pampered us during our stay. Mahci chok! There were low and high moments for me. I shared my story how I dreaded the fall season, the big yellow bus or cattle truck will be coming for us soon. We are once more taken away for the next ten months. That was then. Today, thank you Mother Earth for sharing your beauty. Thank you for the fresh crispy mornings on the Land, watching our breath, sipping our coffee, huddled around the Sacred Fire. Thank you for the beauty of fall. Again, Miskanawah staff all the work you’ve done did not go unnoticed. I am full of gratitude. From the bottom of my heart mahci chok!”

Through the eyes of Elder Elizabeth Nadolnick:
“I really enjoyed the gathering for the elders. I felt really special. I liked the get togethers, stories, humour and listening to their stories from years ago with their friends. The food was great, the service and the dancers they brought in were great. I wish I could have stayed for all the days. As a woman in my 70’s I enjoyed everything. They did such a good job of honouring our elders. I felt so honoured. I hope that it happens again next year. The word will get around a lot more too and it will be even bigger next year! I give it a thumbs up.”

Amber Ward - Oskapewis:
“Sometimes it’s really easy to forget the depth of the impact that the residential schools have had on our community. But as the third day of the sacred fire arrived, the weight of the memories, the weight of the impact and the weight of personal experiences were so present it was almost palpable.
Then we came together in circle, side by side as we always have, and spent time sharing and healing together. As folks shared and sang the weight broke and lifted, and it was replaced with laughter and song. I was overwhelmed with a humbling gratitude for the time spent with our Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Grandmothers.
Being able to care for the sacred fire overnight, as a way of continuing to support the survivors, in body and in spirit, was my honour and privilege.”

In the spirit of reciprocity, Miskanawah welcomed community partners and relatives from diverse backgrounds to contribute through donations, community engagement, and volunteerism. The principle of reciprocity manifested, creating a collective healing experience for helpers, witnesses, and supporters.

In the spirit of reciprocity, Miskanawah welcomed community partners and relatives from diverse backgrounds to contribute through donations, community engagement, and volunteerism. The principle of reciprocity manifested, creating a collective healing experience for helpers, witnesses, and supporters.

nanâskomowin (gratitude) to our funders and sponsors:
 

A special note of gratitude is extended to our dedicated Fire Keepers. Adhering to cultural protocol, they tended to the sacred fire throughout the late hours of the evening and into the chilly early morning. Their commitment not only kept the sacred fire strong, but they also tended to the surrounding teepees to ensure they were kept warm for the Elders who wished to stay overnight.

Thank you to the Miskanawah Cultural Team and members of the Planning Committee for their dedication and tireless efforts in organizing, hosting, and cooking for Bringing Them Home. Cooking for as many as 40 people at any given time is no small feat. Their commitment to this event did not go unnoticed, and it played an integral role in creating an atmosphere of healing, warmth, and community.

As we reflect on the impact of Bringing Them Home, we recognize the power of community and shared healing. The event has ignited a spark that we hope will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of all those who participated. Looking to the future, Miskanawah hopes to build on this offering for our Elders, raising ongoing initiatives that promote healing within our community.