Treaties, Culture, History and Emerging Issues: Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Turtle Island

Opening Ceremony and Lecture: The History of Settlers in Canada from an Anishinaabe Perspective

Opening Ceremony 10 AM – 10:15 AM

We begin this lecture series with an Opening Ceremony led by Shirley John (aka Strong White Buffalo Woman), a respected Elder from Saugeen First Nation. Through a brief Anishinaabe ceremony and teachings, Shirley will offer drumming/singing and a prayer-blessing to ground us in the spirit of respect, connection, and gratitude.

Lecture 10:15 AM – noon

Using the 7 Fires Prophecy as a timeline, Trish will take you on a journey from creation to present day. Topics will include wampum, treaties, wars, residential school to the sixties scoop and our present day child welfare system. You will hear personal stories from Trish, as she explains the impacts of these events from the crown and Canadian government. You’ll be encouraged to think about pathways to reconciliation through a more accurate historical lens. Trish is the grand daughter of Wilmer Nadjiwon, and carries the same passion for the First Nations peoples of Turtle Island.

Lecturer – Trish Meekins

Trish Nadjiwon Meekins is an Anishnaabe woman from Chippewas of Nawash, known as Neyaashiinigmiing, and a member of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Trish has been a therapist and a teacher of First Nations history for over 30 years, currently has a private practice in downtown Owen Sound and recently opened a retail store called All My Relations Gift Shop, providing gifts of/for healing. Trish holds a masters in social work based in Indigenous Knowledge from Wilfrid Laurier University. A wholistic practitioner, with a focus on the spirit, Trish has been assisting people, using a variety of methodologies.