wâcîkowiyinînâhk: Indigenous identity resurgence and land connectedness

Date

2024

Authors

Buffalo, Blaire Star

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Abstract

This thesis aims to shed light and support healing through an Indigenous story-sharing methodology. It is the re-searching of deeper knowledge and history to make known the identity and ancestral teachings specific to Plains Cree worldviews. Each nation has its own unique and distinguished identity; the people of Day Star were once called the Blue Hill people. This name was given to the people by the first signatory Chief and Prophet named Kīsikāwacāhk (Day Star). The knowledge gathered through this study will be used to modify a land-based healing initiative for women, children and families. The scope of the research is to revive kinship practices, cultural continuity, and Indigenous resurgence for myself, community members and future generations. As a member and re-searcher of the nation, I had become interested in knowing our identities and kinship practices by reconnecting to the people and land as an urban member. In this research, I had carried out a story-sharing methodology to do the research by gathering knowledge through my own experiences, interviews and witnessing to be applied in a decolonial approach. Through this research I intended to incorporate nêhiyawewin, ceremony and practices as much as possible while adhering to our traditional protocols.

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Keywords

Indigenous identity, resurgence, land-based healing

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