Hosting Wisdom in Action: Elders Leading Change at the Six Nations Community Hall was a truly meaningful and memorable experience. Over two days, community members gathered on Six Nations of the Grand River to learn, create and share in a space filled with culture, laughter and connection.
We were honoured to begin with an opening offered by Clayton Longboat and a smudge led by Kevin George, grounding the gathering in a good way and preparing us for the teachings that followed.
On the first day, we welcomed a smaller group of approximately 15 participants, which created an intimate setting for learning, conversation and relationship-building. By the second day, attendance had doubled, filling the hall with even more energy, laughter and community spirit. Some participants travelled more than two and a half hours to attend, which was incredible to see and showed just how meaningful these opportunities for cultural learning and connection are.
At the heart of the event was a two-day corn husk doll-making workshop led by sixth-generation artist Paula Longboat and her son, Clayton Longboat. Paula generously shared teachings passed down through many generations about corn husk, its use as medicine and the deeper meaning carried through the making of corn husk dolls. With every step, participants were reminded that this was about much more than creating something with our hands – it was about carrying teachings forward, honouring the generations who came before us and recognizing the healing that can happen when knowledge is shared in community.
One teaching that stayed deeply with me was shared with Paula by her grandmother. She taught that when someone is experiencing a heavy day feeling overwhelmed by sadness, anger, anxiety or emotional struggle, they can soak white corn husk in water and drink the water as a traditional medicine to help clear away that heaviness and invite peace and calmness back into the spirit. I was grateful to receive this teaching and to witness how knowledge and medicine continue to be carried from one generation to the next.
We were also deeply honoured to hear from Elder Shirlene Bomberry, a residential school survivor, and Grandmother Gail Whitlow. Their stories, wisdom and presence brought even greater depth to the gathering and reminded us of the strength, resilience and responsibility carried by Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Their words created space for learning, reflection and meaningful conversations that will stay with many of us long after the event.
The wonderful turnout showed how important it is to create opportunities where people can come together across generations to listen, learn and build relationships. Over the two days, we shared teachings and memories, enjoyed many laughs and formed new connections. It was especially encouraging to hear that many of the Elders and participants are looking forward to working with us again and being part of future events.
I left the gathering with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude for every person who helped make it possible. Wisdom in Action was more than a workshop, it was a celebration of culture, community and the living knowledge that continues to guide and connect us. The relationships built during these two days will continue beyond this gathering, creating new opportunities to learn from one another, work together and carry these teachings forward.
This program was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
By Brandi Bilodeau, Indigenous Rights Coordinator