This recording features Elder Dr. Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Innini), a respected Anishinaabe Elder and Knowledge Keeper. He shares Indigenous knowledge, promoting hope, peace, and environmental stewardship. In 2002, he founded the internationally recognized Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness, a vital gathering place for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

In this video, Elder Courchene discusses forming deeper connections to the land, followed by a Q&A session.

To support Turtle Lodge's important work, please donate via http://www.turtlelodge.org/donate/.

On June 23, 2020, a panel discussion titled "Knowledge Keepers – Part 1" took place in Canada.

In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, Métis Cree knowledge keeper Maria Campbell, and Inuk professor Dr. Karla J. Williamson participated. They were joined by Canadian Ministers Carolyn Bennett, Marc Miller, and Dan Vandal.

This first installment of a two-part conversation explored various important topics for Indigenous peoples across Canada. A transcript is available.

The Turtle Lodge presents a special Winter Solstice event: "Lighting the Sacred Fire."

This presentation highlights Turtle Lodge Knowledge Keepers Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother Jane Meader, Hereditary Chief Stephen Augustine, and Grandmother Katherine Whitecloud. It also features entertainers Buffy Sainte-Marie & Serena Ryder, with music by Melissa Etheridge & Archie Roach.

The National Confluence, held November 5, 2019, in Sedona, AZ, opened with a keynote address on "Reciprocal Healing: Nature, Health, and Wild Vitality."

This theme emphasizes that healing by the Earth is an active medicine. Robin Wall Kimmerer further explored this concept, focusing on fostering kinship and reciprocity.

COVID-19 serves as a critical wake-up call, underscoring the paramount importance of education. This includes learning about First Peoples' profound relationship with the land.

Our mothers, as our first and most important teachers, instill the foundational values essential for life.

Elder Dr. David Courchene introduces "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival," a new book by the Knowledge Keepers from the Turtle Lodge. A transcript of his introduction is available here.

The summary of "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival" is now available for purchase here.

On Earth Day 2020, Elder Nii Gaani Aki (Leading Earth Man), Dr. David Courchene of Turtle Lodge, Canada, shared a profound message.

He conveyed that Mother Earth is currently giving birth to a new life.

Elder Dr. David Courchene introduces "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival," a new book by the Knowledge Keepers from the Turtle Lodge.

A transcript of this introduction is available online: http://www.turtlelodge.org/2020/03/an...

You can purchase a copy of "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival" here: http://www.turtlelodge.org/wahbanung/

A message titled "A DREAM: Get Ready" was received by Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dave Courchene), Leading Earth Man, on September 25, 2018, and posted by The Turtle Lodge.

The message conveys an urgent sense that "change is very close," leaving no time to waste. The recipient pondered if this change would be natural, like extreme weather, earthquakes, or hurricanes, or an an economic collapse akin to a severe depression. Reflecting on current world conditions, it emphasizes the undeniable need for a major shift in attitudes towards values that support life, urging us to be more kind, compassionate, giving, and sharing.

Elder Dave Courchene delivered a Convocation Address at the University of Winnipeg on June 13, 2019, where he was honored with a Doctor of Laws.

He urged humanity to confront the reality of its impact on Earth and ourselves. Courchene emphasized the critical need for good leadership, asserting that everyone possesses the capacity to lead.

On November 18, 2016, Anishinabe Elder Dave Courchene hosted a gathering at the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba. The event focused on Indigenous perspectives regarding pipeline development in the province.

Attendees represented a diverse cross-section, including federal and provincial government officials, energy companies, environmental organizations, legal professionals, and other Indigenous Elders and leaders.

"Indigenous Values on Climate Change" was presented by Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man) — Dave Courchene of the Anishinabe Nation, Eagle Clan. He delivered these remarks at the One Basin One Governance (Water is Sacred) Conference, held at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg, on September 18, 2019.

The full text of his speech is available at http://www.turtlelodge.org/2019/09/indigenous-values-on-climate-change/.

News media must actively address climate change. Over 150 outlets, including Columbia Journalism Review and The Nation, dedicated a week (September 16-23) to reporting on humanity's devastating impact on the planet.

Veteran journalist Bill Moyers shared his perspective within this initiative. For the complete series, visit CJR's website.

On July 14, 2011, Ilarion Merculieff addressed the Earth and Spirit Council. He shared insights into indigenous elder wisdom and the highly evolved spiritual cultures rooted in Mother Earth.

Merculieff's presentation also explored the concept of the womb as the Center of the Universe, emphasizing the sacredness of women.

Elder Dave Courchene, known as Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), is a respected Elder who has dedicated his life to Indigenous knowledge and traditions. After a successful career, he chose to devote himself to these teachings, impacting many lives globally.

Since 1992, Courchene has served as a UN Wisdom Keeper, advising on spirituality and sustainable environmental approaches. In 2002, he founded Turtle Lodge, an internationally renowned center for learning, healing, and sharing. He recently shared the stage with the Dalai Lama, continuing his message of peace and hope.

Can shopping truly save the world? *The Story of Change* challenges this notion, urging viewers to reconsider their consumer habits.

It advocates for exercising "citizen muscles" to build a more sustainable, just, and fulfilling world, emphasizing collective action over credit card spending.

Discover more at http://storyofchange.org.

Ilarion "Larry Merculieff" (Aleut), President of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways, is a prominent indigenous leader.

At the AASHE 2015 Conference and Expo, he shared his life, culture, and knowledge, offering a vision for transforming sustainability education through an indigenous perspective.

Mr. Anderson challenges the idea that there is a necessary conflict between economic development and environmental protection, asserting this presents a false choice.

This discussion was published on April 14, 2016.

Paul Hawken's "The Ecology of Commerce" profoundly impacted Ray Anderson, leading him to grasp the environmental damage caused by corporations, including his own company.

To purchase "The Ecology of Commerce," visit Amazon, your local bookstore, or library.

Dr. Kimmerer is a distinguished environmental biologist, author, and mother. She serves as a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York.

She is also the founding Director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. The Center's mission is to develop programs that integrate indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge to advance shared sustainability goals.