For most Indigenous cultures, death is a beginning. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * For most Indigenous cultures, death is a beginning. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Opinion For most Indigenous cultures, death is a beginning.
For Anishinaabe, my people, the end of life in a person’s body represents the start of a spiritual journey; a road that person will travel to the west — where a beautiful celebration, feast, and lodge full of life and ancestors wait for them. One of the most important steps in helping a relative take this journey is a respectful burial of their human “vessel.” This involves preparing, dressing, and giving instructions and teachings while presenting gifts to help them on their path.
Then, at the gravesite, family members and relations place sacred medicines and other offerings alongside the body. This marks the space, blesses the person, and illustrates a commitment to always remember their life. A burial ground for Indigenous peoples (like all peoples) is therefore sacred, remembered, and an honoured space.
On Wednesday, Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias announced 187 “anomalies” had been found with ground penetrating radar at the nearby St. Joseph’s Residential School (formerly called Cross Lake Indian Residential School), which operated from 1912-1969. The St.
Joseph’s school was the primary residential school in Manitoba’s north,.
