Medicine Wheel

As a Coast Tsimshian First Nations Medicine Wheel Teacher, among other things, my job is to elevate the lives of the people I work with. There is a Lakhota phrase, Hanta Ho, which means ‘clearing the way’ so that we humble humans can do the work that connects us to our Ancestors. The Ojibwa call it “Mene-doh” or a ‘state of revitalization’. It is about clearing the way so that another story emerges, a story of survival, hope and ultimately the triumph and revitalization of the spirits of all people. I am in the habit of capitalizing I-ndigenous, N-ative,  F-irst N-ations, T-he P-eople, and A-ncestors. These descriptions of my people are Proper Names because I am talking about a particular cultural group. My people must be accorded all the respect that the English language can offer which, in this case is to capitalize the words each time they are used.

The world view of First Nations people offered a vision of what a truly balanced world could be like. It was not always a perfect reflection of that vision after all  my Ancestors were fallible humans. Nonetheless, essentially the five Native ethics were invoked that elicite peace and respect among nations, in the community, and in the family; mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health by following the teachings of the Medicine Wheel; respectful use of natural energy such as the sun, wind, and water and effective stewardship of natural resources.

Contemporary Canadian society has created complex situations in which decisions regarding Native land use policies, construction of private and public facilities on Native land, sovereignty issues, renewable resources, belief systems and the preservation of wildlife are not easily resolved or understood. It requires willingness and good will on both sides to sit in the manner of the old ways, for the inclusive sharing of information and decisions was ultimately respectful to everyone’s opinions.

In order to understand the complexities, it is necessary to understand some of the characteristics of tribal spiritual, political and social practices. Native spiritual beliefs had at their foundation reverence for the land. Humans were merely part of a larger picture that depended on a balance of forces that kept the universe functioning in an orderly manner.  And this, is what it is all about. Wilwilaaysk, All My Relations.

Shannon Thunderbird, M.A.

Coast Tsimshian First Nations Speaker/Educator, Traditional Teacher