Real Canadians: Indigenous grandmothers pass teachings down to young mothers
The health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples is closely tied to cultural identity, which is established at a very young age. Residential schools and other colonization traumas disrupted the transfer of traditional knowledge, leading to long-lasting consequences to the physical and mental well-being of many Indigenous people in Canada.
'As a survivor of residential school, I lost all my connections to my culture, and I had no traditional parenting knowledge to share with my children,' explains Blackfoot Elder Jackie Bromley of the Kainai Blood Tribe, Treaty 7. 'Many younger people remain disconnected from their culture, and they don't know what they should do when they have a baby.'
A group of five Indigenous women from Treaty 6, 7 and 8, and the Métis Nation of Alberta are working together in collaboration with University of Alberta researchers to develop a booklet to share traditional teachings and cultural practices with new Indigenous mothers. Elder Darlene Cardinal, Elder Lorraine Albert, Elder Muriel Lee, Elder Jackie Bromley and Knowledge Keeper Norma Spicer originally came together for a panel discussion at a health conference, but the group collectively felt there was more they could do.
With the help of Dr. Stephanie Montesanti, associate professor with the University of Alberta's School of Public Health and funding from the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), they formed the Grandmother's Wisdom Network and worked together to create a booklet of traditional teachings for new Indigenous mothers.
'Connection to culture through the sharing of traditional knowledge improves health and enhances wellness across generations as mothers share knowledge and traditions with their children,' Montesanti says. 'Supporting Indigenous children's development and well-being starts during pregnancy by helping mothers develop stronger connections to culture.'
Grandmothers and Elders are highly respected in Indigenous communities. They have a vital role in preserving traditions, transmitting wisdom, and guiding communities by passing on traditional knowledge.
'There is no greater teacher in Cree culture than a kokum or grandmother,' explains Elder Muriel Lee of Ermineskin Cree Nation, Treaty 6. 'Grandmothers are the real knowledge keepers, and the Grandmothers' Wisdom Network has given each of us an avenue to share traditional knowledge.'
Though traditional knowledge varies between cultures, all of the grandmothers share one common belief — that caring for a new life is a sacred duty. 'It's so important that we teach young mothers how to care for their children,' explains Elder Lee. 'Each of the grandmothers shares their knowledge in their own way. In Cree culture, we believe a child belongs to the Creator and is only on loan to the parent.'
'There is no greater teacher in Cree culture than a kokum or grandmother.' – Elder Muriel Lee
Beginning in spring 2025, the grandmothers will provide the new booklet to Indigenous mothers and their families. Future work will involve health-care providers using the booklet to enhance understanding and awareness of cultural aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and early life among Indigenous Peoples.
'This has been the most meaningful and purposeful task I have undertaken in my life,' says Elder Lee. While working on this project, the grandmothers have supported each other, shared knowledge and discussed ways to share traditional knowledge in each of their respective communities. They plan to continue working together for the foreseeable future.
Take Action: Do one thing that brings you personally closer to reconciliation. There are many options — have an Indigenous tourism experience, attend a powwow, or learn some Indigenous words used by people in your area.
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer and a national bestselling author. If you have an idea for a story that could be featured in Real Canadians, email realcanadians@wanderwoman.ca
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