Live-streamed initially on December 2, 2020, the Indigenous Bear Teachings webinar with Daphie Pooyak, Dr. Jeff Lewis, and Jeff Wastesicott was moderated by our executive director, Jesse Cardinal. Keepers of the Water, kâniyâsihk Culture Camps, Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre, and Indigenous Climate Action produced this collaborative webinar.

Numerous species of bears can be found across so-called Canada, and many Indigenous communities and Nations have lived side-by-side with bears. In this podcast episode, we hear from Daphie Pooyak and Jeff Wastesicoot on Traditional Cree Bear teachings.

Daphie Pooyak, a Nakota Cree traditional teacher and cultural advisor, hails from Sweetgrass First Nation in central Saskatchewan. Her personal journey, spanning two decades of professional education in cultural education and land-based learning, is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Her work in addictions, healing, and trauma further underscores her commitment to her community.

Jeff Wastesicoot, a proud member of the Pimickamack Cree Nation (Cross Lake, Manitoba), is not just a language consultant and knowledge Keeper. His personal dedication to helping people overcome personal challenges through ceremonies, traditional medicines, and counselling is truly inspiring. His life's work is a testament to preserving the Nehiyew language and culture.

As Indigenous People, we embody a truly remarkable resilience. Despite the disruptive forces of colonization and residential schools, we are steadfastly reclaiming our identities. Our collective desire to learn our language and songs, participate in ceremonies, and reconnect with the land is a powerful testament to our strength and a source of inspiration for all. As an environmental organization, Keepers of the Water witnesses the far-reaching impacts of the industry across our vast territorial homelands, naturally fueling our determination to protect them.

Through this podcast, we amplify the voices of those who carry the Indigenous Knowledge, a beacon of hope guiding us towards a clean and just transition to a fossil-free world. Indigenous People’s traditional Knowledge, deeply rooted in countless generations of storytellers, is not just a key but the key to the leading solutions to climate change. It is a testament to our collective history of resilience in the face of climate challenges.

This episode was edited and produced by Beverly Andrews.