Inner Circle – the Heart, Ode

Heart – Connection to Spirit, where everything begins.

Council Fire – Heart of the Community, brings it together.

Resistance – we are resilient, and we are still here practicing traditions.

Outside Circle – Timeline of the Relationships

Relationships – Fundamental concept prior to settlers, all my relations.

Treaties – There was a switch in relationships with settlers and Anishinaabe, an understanding of “brothers” to Queen Mother and “father”, wards to take care of and to govern over.

Indian Act – assimilation policy and legislation.

Effects – The ultimate effects of Trauma, Shame, & being disconnected from spirit; and how we see that today.

Indigenous Child Welfare – Transition of treatment of indigenous children and families.

Nogdawindamin – Taking Care of Our Own.

Reconciliation – Amending the relationships.

Treaty People – Accountability to each other.

Ally/Helper – Having an anti-oppressive social work practice, which supports and encourages healing.

Outer Edge – The Trauma Cycle

The Trauma Cycle, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa^[1]

Understanding – Worldview, understanding of the social and physical environments.

Disruptions – Introduction, manipulation and brainwashing of worldviews.

Loss of Pathway – Loss of identity due to the disruptions, loss and disconnection.

Sickness – Effects from loss of identity, assimilation and cultural genocide practices.

Awakening – Movement towards reconciliation.

Healing – Begins when unresolved grief is resolved.

Arrows – Once in the know and to a healing place, there is a continuous journey around this circle.

Leaves – Our Integrity

Perception, Power & Privilege, and Purpose – Critical for consistent reflection of personal worldviews, behaviours, body language, roles and responsibilities in community.

Perception – Worldviews & Identity

Power & Privilege – Relationships

Purpose – How we give back.