Building Our Constitution

The film, Gviḷásdṃalas Haíɫzaqv: Building Our Constitution, provides insight into the extensive work the Heiltsuk peoples have undertaken to make a constitution that suites the community. Continuing the traditional ways of governing and of life are key to the Heiltsuk peoples process in making their constitution. Teachings that were passed…

Lament and Hope

Pauline Waterfall writes on the importance of reverence after traumatic historical events still haunt Indigenous peoples today. She writes, “we must hailhsistut—turn things around and make them right again. We are all worthy of being supported, loved, uplifted, carried, guided, and nurtured. We are all worthy of being reconnected to…

In a Good Way – Honoring and Supporting Women through Ceremony

Faith Spotted Eagle shares her dedication in restoring a traditional woman’s society she learned of from her grandmother. Her initial efforts working with other Lakota grandmothers established the White Buffalo Calf Woman’s Society, the first American Indian women’s shelter. Through years of supporting women and girls dealing with trauma, Faith…