FNHSSM is the Indigenous Development experience

By Gabriela Jimenez, 2nd year MDP student

Nanaandawewigamig FNHSSM blankets in the boardroom

The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat (FNHSSM) is the organization that hosts Partners for Engagement and Knowledge Exchange (PEKE). FNHSSM has multiple types of research projects, health interventions, educational programs and many other activities; most of them implemented in Manitoba, but also with national and international scope. So, because having holistic good health is one of the most important aspects of development, I think that the contribution of this organization to the Indigenous development in Manitoba is enormous. 

FNHSSM has a prominent level of commitment with First Nations communities; and in order to preserve and revitalize the “traditional, cultural and modern ways of healing,” they ensure that the Elders participate in the knowledge exchange between western and traditional methods to enhance communities’ health. Every activity held by FNHSSM is developed in a culturally safe and respectful environment.

Because of my field placement with PEKE, I had the privilege to attend different organizational meetings, talks, discussions, workshops and seminars. Some of them are oriented to educate and integrate FNHSSM community: employees, families, partners, advisers, etc.  In my opinion, these activities, besides demonstrating the significant role of FNHSSM for community development, they also give employees the opportunity to present their perspectives and to hear others’ experiences regarding current and relevant health-related topics in the provincial and national context.

I have learned not only from my assigned responsibilities, but also from the always-happy office colleagues, from other intern students, the nutritionist, the community speakers, doctors and researchers. It is always challenging to decolonize research, and I consider that this placement was my opportunity to practice decolonization on my own mindset. 

It is the end of the field placement, and I know that the Evaluation Plan was my deliverable that implied much more than academic or professional knowledge; it was the pretext to learn from people that are highly committed to work hard to make a change in others’ lives, especially those affected by colonialism.

The FNHSSM staff - smiling as usual

The answer to climate change must start with the internal healing of humanity…

By Amanda Appasamy, 1st year MDP student

One of the highlights of my placement at the International Institute for Sustainable Development was having the honour to attend and volunteer as a note taker at the Onjisay Aki “A Changing Earth” Summit -an International climate change summit at Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba.

Ceremony representing the Eagle and Condor prophecy

The summit gathered Indigenous Knowledge keepers and environmental leaders from the International community to share Indigenous ancestral and scientific knowledge; whereby an international call to action was created to address the climate change crisis and to initiate a path of healing for all peoples, animals and the earth. 

This spiritual gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge keepers represents the fulfillment of the Eagle and the Condor Prophecy; the Eagle representing the people of the North and the Condor, the people of the South coming together in unity and collaboration to renew relationships with the earth.

The spiritual and ceremonial aspects of this conference have definitely transformed and changed my perspective on the solutions to climate change. I have associated the cause of climate change crisis and environmental destruction to greed, corruption and power. However, what was said at this conference is that the very decision makers that are responsible for climate change, are our relatives.

Hence, the answer lies in healing humanity first. As expressed by Paul K. Chappell, the Peace Leadership Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation during the summit, “No other species on the planet suffer from the range of mental health issues that humans have”, “In order to heal the earth, we need to feed the world’s spiritual needs.”

Humanity is indeed hurting and suffering. The answer to climate change lies within our inner selves. We can achieve this by building united communities and alliances with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples whilst respecting Indigenous ancestral knowledge. This powerful and unique spiritual experience has definitely ignited my hopes and inspired me to continue with the fight for an inclusive and just society.   

Peruvian knowledge keepers assisting the Thunderbird nest building ceremony representing the re-establishment of the human alliance with nature