Meeting Herbalists Nancy & Chad in Winnipeg - The Hollow Reed

Well we met this Lady over at Michaels craft shop. Earl Morrisseau of Sagkeeng has started to make Walking and Talking Sticks. He goes out and finds the Diamond Willow and harvests them for making his sticks. Earl was shopping for some stones at Michaels to add to his sticks and happened to notice another artist browsing the paint aisle. So they started a conversation and introductions were made. Nancy was a very friendly person and it was quickly decided that Earl would bring her a Walking Stick once he finished one. He said maybe in two weeks or so. 

So it was today that Earl stopped in at the Hollow Reed Herbal shop on Corydon Avenue in Winnipeg Manitoba. 

Guess who was surprised? Nancy. In life we may say a lot of things we mean but fail to follow up on. This is one of those days where Earl followed up on his promise to a complete stranger he had only met for a brief moment. 

After all who cares right? You meet someone new and may never meet them again. So we can almost say anything. 

The shop and the people of the Hollow Reed are very sincere and kind people. We sat had some tea and visited for a while. Nancy's husband Chad came and visited for a while he even gave us some Namepin (wild ginger) that is used as Heart Medicine. The shop was busy with people coming and going.  It was a pleasant and friendly visit with some good people. Nancy and Chad have some medicines which are available for Traditional Indian use. Which is cool. Not everyone has the opportunity to venture out in the bush or knows how to get some medicine.

We will go back there and check it out sometime in the future.  

If you go there make sure to tell them we sent you. 

Nancy Hall nancy@hollowreedholistic.ca

(204) 786-0820

Aromatherapist

www.hollowreedholistic.ca

Nancy Hall III is the co founder of Hollow Reed Holistic and creator of three Winds aromatherapy. Her passion and talent for the safe, and effective use of essential oils is earning her a solid reputation, both locally and afar. She has studied under internationally respected aromatherapist micheal scholles, via the California school of aromatic studies, and has committed herself to integrating the teachings of both Kurt schnaubelt and Dr. light miller, author of ayurveda and aromatherapy. she has been interviewed by CBC and has been invited by local universities, schools and government to speak to the increasing public interest in the natural health, home and beauty product industry. nancy clearly integrates her art and her concern for nature with a sincere intention to help others find a renewed sense of peace, joy and well-being.

Chad  chad@hollowreedholistic.ca

(204) 786-0820

Master Herbalist, Holistic Therapist

www.hollowreedholistic.ca

Chad Cornell has been passionately studying and practicing natural healing methods for the past 15 years.  He holds a great respect for the teachings he has received from healers of Peru, North America, and Asia. He is currently employing timeless holistic methods of healing in a modern urban context.

In the Neighbourhood.

Well I wrote about being the Reserve and living there - Sagkeeng so its a good to talk about the Winnipeg neighbourhood. I have lived in different parts of the City and have made some good neighbors.  Like in the North End of the city when we lived there. We moved to the suburbs and made some friends there as well. Now we live in the south end of the city and are meeting new people. Our street is quite diverse. What's weird is that  I know this. There is a Women couple who just recently married who live down  the street. There is a number of mixed-race couples; Blacks and Whites, German and Native, and a number of different ethnic make up, just on this little street. 

We are pretty fortunate about our home because we really don't have any arseholes living close to us. At least I haven't noticed. There are a couple of people who I am not going to be friendly with and that's cool. Some old guy always yelling at the kids but he's old and crazy.  And some old teacher, she lives alone and votes for the Right political party. So I don't converse with her.



My new neighbours, well relatively new, are Iranian. And they are Muslim to boot.  We like them. They are friendly and hospitable. Plus I am one of those really nosy people who ask lots of intrusive questions. Questions which border on being rude.

If I have offended them, they don't show it.
They are both educated and currently in the final stages of getting their doctorates.  Wow that is so cool.
The guy (I'll use an alias) "Ali" is quite interesting. He will take the time to learn something new by researching on the internet on how to fix something, like changing the timing belt of a car, or changing the values on a car. Once he has researched he then tackles the project. I have watched him fix major mechanical problems on his car. He fixed mechanical issues on his car and then went on to do some body work, fixing a rust issue, and to the painting the car. Recently he decided to re-shingle the roof of his house. Turns out it there are a number of things the could be done to increase the life of the roof. Ali researched what materials to use and how to shingle. I watched the process.

For me labour is an interesting phenomenon. People either like it or do it grudgingly. I am in the camp of its fun to do it, but if its a chore, well heck with that noise.

So the good thing about meeting new people is the chance to get them to hear about your heritage and the misconceptions there are out there.  The thing about meeting new people of different backgrounds is that we see them as a picture of ALL their people.  So if that's the case I try my best to be cool nice friendly to people. I want them to know "hey an Indian was kind to them".

Time to Say Goodbye

Woke up in a sad mood this morning. Came out of the room and looked at the picture of my Son and it hit me. It makes me mad at him that he chose to end his life.

So what do we have now?  Memories?  Bits and pieces of a life we love?

A marker?  A shrine?

Life should mean more than a memory for a certain few. Sometimes it means nothing.
I see images of lives lost over in the Old Countries and wonder about their lives. Who will mourn?

Me I mourn here in our little world everyday.  But the world is big and there are many, many who are mourning.

Don's Grass Outfit beaded by our Cousins. 

3 Chiefs Walk Into A Bar

Three Chiefs walk into a bar;  one is a Wrecker, the other is a Maintenance worker and the last Chief is a Builder.

Its suppose to be a metaphor or simile or parable but not quite sure what it is. Its a story that represents Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Assembly of First Nations and the National Native Women's Association.

The first Chief , who just happens to be grand, says  "I am going to tear down this bar! It is killing our people. We are handcuffed to the chairs. We need to smash it to pieces. The bar owners are feeding on our misery. Look at them with their bar rags, serving poison to our people. I don't even drink." One of the patrons in the bar asks, "What will take its place?" The first Chief who is grand says "I don't know. I am going to wreck it. Not sure what comes next."

Wreck It Ralph

The second Chief, who is even grander says "I think this bar is okay. There could be some little bit of cleaning here and there but everyone gets served sooner or later. It always is creating some jobs. Just look at all those Indians cleaning up those tables over there. Look at those guys they are cleaning some of the urinals. So you see, this bar has its good points too. I do agree there is poison here but look its kind of comfortable here, everyone knows your name. I know the  Owners of the bar and they are not too bad. They let us have some of the peanuts from the bar and we can even stand by the bar once in a while."  A patron asks if there is going to be a better menu or  some increases in pay for the urinal cleaners.  The second Chief who is grander than all says "We'll see, I'll put in a good word with the owners."

Handy Manny

The third Chief who comes in towing a few kids and is presidential says "I am going to rebuild this bar and make it something different, something new, something where we are not scrubbing the urinals, where there is actually something  to build from. Something where our people can be the ones who are reaping the benefits for the kids here. I want to build something. Building of course means we have to clean up what is here; change it, re-focus the goals of the bar. Maybe even make it something different from just a bar. We do want our people to have work but we all so want them to have say in where the work is."  The patrons cheer, "when do you start?"  The third Chief who is quite presidential says "Oh let me see. I don't think the owners have seen me yet."

Bob the Builder

I don't drink and many of our people don't. Yet at some point we are sitting in the bar.

Good thing we have Wreck-it-Ralph, Handy Manny and Bob the Builder examining the bar.

Awareness Walk for Missing Murdered Indigenous Women

You don't know the names of these two young boys - Kendal Wood and Darnel Wood.  Kendal is now 15 years old and Darnel is 13. This is there third year of Walking on Trans Canada Highway from the Ontario border to the Saskatchewan border.

Kendal & Darnel Wood

Kendal and his younger brother are from the Island Lake Treaty 5 territory. The boys take part in a other awareness activities like: Children Fighting to Keep Girls Safe, Children's March for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and other Vigils held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

"We are showing that we kids can do work like this too. We think about it. There are kids who understand and don't want to stand back but what can they do? Wee are showing that we are First Nations youth can stand up and make this everyone's cause to take on" says Kendal Wood.

So check out Kendal and Darnel's Facebook page. If you wish more information contact:
Denny Wood 1-204-615-1575 or Kendal Wood jayd2_06@yahoo.ca

Just think these guys were 10 and 12 when they started their annual walk. What in the heck were we doing at that age?

Trans Canada Highway

Cops Hunt Blacks like they are Prey.

Buck Fever - is a phenomenon a hunter will experience. The hunter sees a prey and starts shooting aimless , excited with their adrenaline rising and they go into a frenzy. In many cases the shooter gets crazy. There is no regard to where he/she is shooting, no thought of consequence.

Last night  Philando Castile was shot for having a busted tail-light and for being Black.  A couple of days before that Anton Sterling   was killed for selling CD's and for being Black. In both cases the police were quick to fire their guns multiple times. 

It is a  common occurrence through the United States and it matters not if you are man or woman or even a child (Tamir Rice).   The police have really been active in killing Black people.  Do you wonder why?



Is it these Black people are criminals? Do they ask for it?  You may think yes or perhaps if they just listened to the police instructions, they would not have been shot. There is really something going on here and its not just police procedure.  It is a culture; a culture of fear anger and resentment.
Society does not see the Black person as a part of the community meaning they are not seen as people. This of course is true of what is thought of the Muslim and the Indian (Indigenous folk).  Blacks (and other  non-Whites) are not seen as part of the wider community - the White community.  So in many instances if they are not seen as part of the community - who are they? It is abundantly clear in the eyes of law enforcement (and the "community") Blacks (and other non-Whites) are prey. With the police (and community watch folk  - Trayvon Martin) the culture is that of a hunter - in many cases stalking prey or happening upon prey.  With hunting there is always the risk of getting excited, the blood pressure rising, the fear of the prey, the frenzied actions. That is Buck Fever and the police have it. They don't see Sally their neighbor or Bob the neighbor who will throw weekend barbecues; they see something else. They don't see the kid Tommy playing with toy in the park. The result is what you see - Blacks shot in the midst of  a frenzied zeal. 

With Mr Castile he was lucky in the sense that his girl friend Ms Reynolds had the bravery and calm to live stream her boyfriend dying next to her and her child. For her actions she was handcuffed, arrested and treated in a horrible manner. Reminds me of the situation with Ipperwash and the family of Dudley George. The police killed Mr George and treated the family in a horrible manner, stopping them from taking him to hospital and arrested them. Ms Reynolds was arrested and detained for what?  The police didn't see her as a person - just part of the equation - part of the hunt - part of the prey. 

So  what now?  Do the Black people and their supporters stand around and shout slogans and get soundbites in the media?  Where there is a culture in society to protect the hunter and to discount the prey? 

There is a culture of disconnect in the US with Blacks and in Canada with the Indigenous-Indian. The wider community does not see them as people- part of the community. Look at what happens in Canada where an Indian man is killed with passive actions (Brian Sinclair - left to die a slow painful death in hospital emergency). They didn't see him as a man. They "compassion fatigue" him to death.  In Canada Indians are the Savage, the shiftless drunken bum.  Not human. In Canada a young Indian was raped and killed. The justice system took and put her vagina as part of the evidence. Just think about it. She was brutally killed and mutilated, the justice system removed her vagina as evidence to be displayed in court. Would they do that a white person.  Not people. In the US the Black person is seen as the criminal, the Negro and not a person.  

The Celebrity Black is still  not seen as a person. They are seen as part of the show/game. As part of the entertainment for real people. 

Let me ask you this if a young White boy is playing with a toy gun in a playground, what do you see? You see a young child playing. So if you saw him as a child, a person  wouldn't you take more than two seconds, two seconds to check out the situation?  If you don't see a child you see what?  Prey? Criminal? Less than a person?  That is what happened with the young child Tamir Rice. And just let the sink in while you look at the shoot out in Texas with White Bikers. They sat around texting and visiting after the police arrived?  And you know why? Because even criminal groups like the Bikers (and white supremacy groups) are considered people first.  Not the Black person.  There are so many examples of this and if you don't see it? 

The main stream society, the average White person does not see a Black person as a person, a neighbour, and part of the community. Even the regular non-racist person will see the color first and not the person. Its deeply ingrained in the culture of western society. You really think slavery and colonial oppression was long ago? Those sentiments are not easily erased. 

And if you think there is no hunting fever - buck fever going on in the States - there is really something wrong with how you see the world.  

PS. I know the word "buck" has different meanings - both for the Black and for the Indian. 

* Since this original post  there have been  more suspect shootings of Black people by police and citizens. 

Sundance & Oshkaabawas

Sundance is the Ceremony of Ceremonies. Sundance ceremonies are taking place in Indigenous communities all over Canada and the United States.  Among the Ceremony will be the participants and the Helpers.

Tree Of Life

I did have the opportunity to go to the Sundance in Sagkeeng First Nation for a very short visit. A friend comes every year from Ontario to support the Ceremony. It was nice to go see the Sundance in my Reserve. Later I went and camped out for the Sundance in Spruce Woods Manitoba. These Sundance Chiefs are Good people; David and Sherryl Blacksmith.

I went and visited at the Sundance this year as my youngest daughter is dancing. Many people from all over taking part in the Ceremony.  One of the things you get when you to go a Ceremony is you experience, hear and see Teachings.

As you know Teachings are life moments which either resonate with you or they are ignored. We get Teachings everywhere and from anyone. The old lady on the bus who gives her seat to a stranger - kindness. The police officer who helps an intoxicated man get home - compassion. The Teacher who spends time with your daughter/son to help read - giving/patience.  The Elder who shares the Oral history passed down from other Elders. The Helper who demonstrates devotion and earnest work while staying up all night in the pouring rain making sure the Sacred Fire remains burning.

One of the things that struck me at the Ceremony was the honesty. The honest language spoken to our people. The Teaching of forgiveness but also of reciprocity and of humbleness.  The Teaching of Pride as well. How the family who conduct the Sundance are so proud of their family. If you didn't know them you would judge (or even if you do know them) them as bragging. You would think they are excluding everyone. You are not part of the clique. It's not the case. If you were listening you would have seen the love they have of their family for sure. You would have also heard the love for the people. The Teachings of Gratitude for the many helpers and Dancers who take part in Ceremony. You would have heard the struggle and the rewards of being a Helper - for the Creator. The many people who work behind the scenes and the people who work out front are all Helpers.

So we either take Teachings or we ignore them. That's key isn't it. Some of the Teachings we should have witnessed or experienced are tolerance, understanding, gratitude, appreciation, jealousy, envy, and insecurity.

I sat with different people and spoke with some old friends, new faces and some acquaintances. The conversations varied.  One friend was speaking about someone we both know and it was said "He is cursed you know? You can't treat people like that and expect to get away with it. He is an asshole." I nodded in agreement.  I believe I am both cursed and blessed. The other conversation focused on some of the Oshkaabawas(ag) i.e.Helpers. "That fellow is real lazy. Looks to be doing stuff but just being lazy". Another person I met was a professor from Carlton University of Ottawa. He teaches in the Religious Study department. I was trying get him to Pierce his skin and drag the Buffalo Skulls. I told him to get the "whole experience", he didn't become a professor by being naive.  So he didn't take part in the Piercing Ceremony or the dragging of the Skulls.  I'm kind of a jerk. It reminded me of when we Danced years ago. It was  our first year and the Oshkaabawas (helper) was getting Dancers up and taking them to be Cut  and hooked up to the Tree. This Elder was beside us and it was his first year dancing as well. I told the Oshkaabawas (we say Skha-be) "the guy is ready to pierce". The Helper came to him and I said to "they want you to go".  The Elder, a first year dancer, looked, his eyes went big and he said "ma-ma-me me?"  It was funny. I am such a jerk.

That is the thing about the Teachings we either take them or ignore them. I walked around with many of the people who I once broke bread with and yet I felt like a stranger here. I felt pity for myself, even days after the Ceremony. "How come no one wants to sit and visit with me or invite me for tea?"  "How come I am a stranger among people I thought were friends? How come they won't talk to me? How come no one likes me?"

The Teachings were many. I laughed and stood in admiration of the Sundance Chief who spoke to the people. Can you imagine the pressure to be held accountable for the whole Ceremony?  What if something unforeseen or tragic were to happen?   I once saw a man break his leg while he was taking part in the Sundance years ago. What if someone had a heart-attack?  The amount of ownership and liability which falls on those who lead. "Heavy is the head that wears the Crown".

The Chief was blunt in his address to the people.  People need to hear it sometimes. They need to hear about effort and dedication. They need to hear it and to see it about how we need to support each other. The Teaching was evident with the coming together of the Ceremony. Can you imagine the work involved?

For example, one of the great things about the Ceremony was the toilets. Toilets?  Yes, the fact the Helpers raised funds to pay for the rental of portable toilets. The toilet company came around everyday and emptied the containers. Thank goodness.  There was the Old Man who drove around his pick up truck and collected garbage from each camp site. The Women and Men who went into the bush to cut fire wood and collect the branches. The amount of Help and Helpers is amazing.

And there are those of us. Those of us who sit and judge. Who sit and complain. Who want the Helpers to make the Lodge, cut the wood, make sure we have everything there for us. When we don't agree with what is said or something that took place, we jump at it. We are quick to fault. We are quick to put down. We are quick to ignore the beauty in what takes place. We sit and feel like outsiders in a Ceremony where everyone is welcome. We feel like its' only for them. Some say "oh that Ceremony is not like the real Dakota way. Or it's not Ojibwe. Or he is not Cree enough".  If you hear that, you know the Helpers and leaders hear it as well.

The thing is the Ceremony, the Helpers the Lodge leaders are there for you; for the people. They do have their families and everyone of us should be proud, should be happy for our family. That is what we see there.

To all the Helpers and Leaders out there, we say Thank you. We take the Teachings of appreciation and hope to remember it.

We take the Teaching of Gratitude and express it.

We take the Teaching of Envy and Jealousy and try to be aware of it.

We take the Teaching of ...

You know the toilet at the Sundance is emblematic of our people. In some way we expect others to take care of our shit. Take the participants of the Ceremony. There are many people carrying varied baggage.  I for one carry the sting of resentment. I saw this handsome Dancer giving of himself. But did I look at it like that? No. What I saw is a young man with a tattoo of a Manitoba Warriors symbol on his chest. A proud reminder of (like Izzy said to me years ago) MW for life. I didn't see a selfless man who was sacrificing himself for the people. I saw a past. A past that I know nothing of. I don't know him, but yet I carried the resentment for a man I don't know. Maybe he has a ailing mother or child. Maybe he has turned his life over to the Creator. Instead I judged him and many with contempt.

I judged many of wanting the "scars" to show off and not the scars of sacrifice for others. I judged that many Dancers just want the look of Wab Kinew - with his beautiful skin and body with his piercing scars pronounced as he is pictured on television or on various media pictures. But how in the heck do I know what is the hearts of people? See that is the thing, we hear the Teachings but we ignore them or discount them.

Like having a helper who is a politician or a Leader or a police officer. Some people will say "you can't be a police officer and be Indian at the same time, Never mind be a Traditional Teacher and a police officer at the same time".  It is the resentment, envy or jealous Teaching we carry. We fail to look at the Helper who is not only taking care of you but trying to educate others in making sure you are safe. One of the things this one Helper does is make sure there is "surgery type cleanliness" when working with the cutting the skin.  He and his friends make a handout for you to understand the process of blood transfer. Hoping others will benefit from the information and carry on the practice elsewhere. 

We need to listen to the Teachings - tolerance - kindness - caring - gift giving.  These Helpers gladly do it all. They don't have to. They can let you come and take part without providing you with the information.  They can let you come and be unprepared. 


I urge you to read the book by Jon Krakauer, Into Thin Air. It is a story of fantastic feats and also of the selfishness of people.  The feat of completing a Sundance is a heck of journey. And like that of the people who can climb Mount Everest, they don't do it without support. The Helpers, the guides and the Leaders are vital to their success, along with their dedication. Like the journey in Thin Air, there are many obstacles. Some are even carried; emotionally and physically to  make the journey. 

The Ceremony of Sacrifice is exactly that. We are suppose to literally and figuratively give our lives to the Creator for the welfare of others. However we are just human beings filled with many failings. 
Whatever the reason we do Ceremony for, we should open our eyes, ears, mind and of course our hearts. If we can, we can carry the good Teachings and we can be aware of our faults and what we need to correct. 

It is the sacrifice of Helpers Leaders, and the many many supporters which allows Ceremony to continue. Ceremony is essential in our lives as Indigenous people.