A discussion on holistic steps to start conversations, remove barriers, and highlight resources to further reconciliation efforts
There are hundreds of diverse Indigenous communities that are part of a growing population of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. It is pivotal for non-Indigenous people to learn about these distinct groups so a baseline for awareness and understanding can be established. Chris Mines is joined by Cindy Crowe, a lodgekeeper, author, Indigenous elder, spiritual guide, and ceremony coach. They discuss the first steps that can be taken to bridge misconceptions and find common ground.
Some of the topics covered in this course includes:
• The importance of land acknowledgments and how they can be incorporated • The need for ongoing dialogue • Outlining creative ways to establish meaningful relationships • Why governments, people, and the private sector need to work in tandem • An outlook for the future and more!
Indigenous Elder and Spiritual Guide who speaks, writes, coaches and conducts ceremony.
Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Author, is a band member of the Opwaaganisiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) located an hour east of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Since 1994, Cindy has been bridging gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities with her expertise in community liaison, community engagement and community development. Cindy’s life purpose is to share a message of love and interconnectedness and she creates space for change in many different venues with people from all walks of life. She believes in leading by example. Personally, she is the grateful mom of five adult children and three grandchildren. Since 2004, Cindy’s for-profit business Cindy Crowe Consulting represents an award winning Anishnaabe consulting firm and currently provides support to women entrepreneurs through the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise as the Lead Business Growth Advisor. Cindy is also an Elder for the Mooka’am Kwe: She Rises BizCamp program which provides Indigenous women entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with their culture, expand their businesses and network with other entrepreneurs while receiving education on a variety of business topics. Since 2005, Cindy has been the Executive Director for Ozhaawashko-giizhig Traditional Teaching Lodge operating as the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre that is an Indigenous, community-led organization based in Neebing, Ontario. Cindy respectfully acknowledges that sacred space as being within the traditional territory of the Binesii-Wiikwedong (Fort William First Nation) and loves to welcome people to the land of her ancestors next to the shores of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior). Previous programming such as the Gitigaan Diziiaan (Planting Seeds of Self) opportunities as well as the cultural and Spiritual support provided to the inmates at the Thunder Bay Jail for two years, Ozhaawashko-Giizhig Akiing (Clear Blue Sky On The Land) is an intentional progression of this work to promote land based teaching and healing aftercare opportunities on her 135 acres in Neebing. Her two new business ventures include Niibing Tribal Tours (Niibing is in the summer) providing opportunities for clients and visitors to reconnect with Mother Earth while learning about the Anishnaabe culture through land based experiential learning; and her Identity and Purpose Coaching for clients looking to understand themselves better and identify their life purpose. Awards “Social Change Award: Regional Impact 2021” Finalist for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards for the (one of three finalists across Canada) – winner to be announced November 17, 2021; “Businesswoman of the Year Award 2015” from Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund; “Top 20 in 20 Award 2014” from PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise; “Aboriginal Entrepreneur Off Reserve 2013” PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise; “Exceptional Woman” at Beendigen’s 3rd Annual First Nations Women’s Day in 2011; and, “Business of the Year Award 2010” from PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise.
