Celebrating the Winter Solstice
On December 21st, the LEF community is celebrating the Winter Solstice and partaking in a ceremony led by Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacqueline Lavallé and Dr. Hopi Martin Oshkaabewis (Sacred Helper).
We invite you to take some time to reflect on this Ojibwe tradition and the meaning behind it. During the Winter Solstice Ceremony, people come together to reflect, share food, and participate in a giveaway. The winter is a time of rest; a time for Mother Earth, plants, animals, and people to replenish and reflect.
We wanted to take this time to thank our partner and Indigenous Advisor, Dr. Hopi Martin for all his wonderful work with us over the year.
We encourage you to visit Edge of the Bush to learn more about the seasonal pedagogy: https://edgeofthebush.ca/a-seasonal-pedagogy/
LEF's Priorities
Walking with and alongside the Indigenous community, we at LEF commit to learning about the teachings contained within Ojibwe Sacred Circle. As an organization, we have a commitment to land-based learning, and have integrated its teachings into our programming, which includes focusing on children’s connection to the land and the outdoors.
We have begun thinking about our strategic priorities as a natural progression in relationship to Ojibwe Seasonal Teachings of Birth (Summer Solstice), Movement (Fall Equinox ), Relationships (Winter Solstice), and Passing (Spring Equinox). This learning from Dr. Hopi Martin, and his Aunt, Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacque Lavallée from Shawanaga First Nation based on research of a ‘Seasonal Pedagogy’.
As illustrated with the drawing of 'Memory Teaching Bundle' from Edge of the Bush, our work and approach has and continues to be grounded in our values of:
Humility
We act with empathy and honesty by trusting in the strengths of others to enable a richer community through shared leadership and learning.
Empowerment
We ignite people and the community to create a more equitable world in every interaction, conversation, and initiative.
Belonging
We create, nurture, and celebrate a culture of belonging and inclusion where community members share their gifts and flourish.
Enterprising (Spirit)
We collaborate with curiosity to identify and act on sustainable opportunities to animate positive change.
The Tenacity to Continue to Hold these things Dear
We bravely adapt to opportunities and take risks, continually growing and learning with and from others.
