The Anishinaabe Seven Sacred Laws, shared by Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene), form the foundation of life and connection to Spirit and land. Represented by seven animals, these laws offer guidance for living on Mother Earth, fostering a vision of hope rooted in kindness and values.

Each animal embodies a specific teaching: the Buffalo for Respect, Eagle for Love, Bear for Courage, Sabé for Honesty, Beaver for Wisdom, Wolf for Humility, and Turtle for Truth. These principles guide us to live from the heart, use our gifts for community, and honor our interconnectedness.

By embracing these Sacred Laws, we align with nature, achieve true freedom, and receive the full support of the universe and Earth.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, hundreds gathered at the Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness. The event was an Honouring Ceremony dedicated to Elder Dr. Dave Courchene and his Vision of Turtle Lodge.

During the ceremony, David Suzuki shared remarks, celebrating Dr. Courchene's contributions.

Yesterday, the National Turtle Lodge Council of Elders and Knowledge Keepers honored Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr. He was recognized for his leadership, service to the People and Mother Earth, and his work in fulfilling the Turtle Lodge's vision.

His spiritual names, Nitamabit (The Original Way and One who Sits in Front) and Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), reflect his profound contributions to awakening, nurturing, and strengthening the spirit in all Peoples.

Yesterday, Elder Dr. Dave Courchene and his Vision of Turtle Lodge were honored at two simultaneous events.

Hundreds gathered at the Turtle Lodge for a tribute, while Governor General Mary Simon hosted a separate event in his honor at Rideau Hall.

Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dr. Dave Courchene), a respected Anishinaabe Elder and Knowledge Keeper, shares a vision of hope for Mother Earth and Humankind. He emphasizes ancient teachings, particularly the Seven Sacred Laws, as a foundation for living with kindness and fostering a change of heart.

As the founder of the Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness and Chair of the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers, Elder Nii Gaani Aki Inini promotes reconnecting with the Earth and ancestral knowledge.

Learn more about the Turtle Lodge and the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers by visiting their website: www.turtlelodge.org. Follow them on social media: Facebook (@turtlelodge), Twitter (@turtlelodge), and Instagram (@theturtlelodge).

Elder Dr. Dave Courchene presented "Returning to the Beginning" on July 23, 2021, sharing insights on finding truth and a way forward amidst current global crises.

This presentation was part of the free Shamanic Wisdom Summit and is copyrighted by The Shift Network. View the full transcript here.

The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education & Wellness fosters reconnection to Earth and shares ancestral knowledge. Learn more at turtlelodge.org or follow them on social media: Facebook (@turtlelodge), Twitter (@turtlelodge), and Instagram (@theturtlelodge).

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.

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/.

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.

"Join those who have found their heart."

Elder Dave Courchene (Anishinaabe Nation, Eagle Clan) discusses moving beyond selfishness and the need for power. He emphasizes returning to our spiritual essence, rooted in the land, as modern ideologies divide humanity and harm Mother Earth. He calls for guidance, especially from grandmothers, to address the denial of youth's rights.

The term *Anishinaabe* collectively refers to the Ojibway, Odawa, and Algonkin Peoples, who share closely related Algonquian languages.

On January 9, 2013, First Nation Anishnabe Elder Dave Courchene of Turtle Lodge delivered a statement at the Elders Ceremony in Ottawa. This address was published the following day.

Known as Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man), Elder Courchene is a respected teacher devoted to Indigenous knowledge. Since 1992, he has served as a UN Wisdom Keeper, advising on spirituality and sustainable environmental approaches.

Courchene founded Turtle Lodge in 2002, an internationally recognized center for learning, healing, and sharing. He continues to promote peace, recently sharing the stage with the Dalai Lama. Further details are available here.