In the Know: Bear Teachings

Bears can be found all across so-called Canada and many Indigenous communities and Nations have lived side-by-side with bears. In this episode, we hear from Jeff Wastesicoot and Daphie Pooyak on Cree bear teachings before speaking to Inuk youth, Ruth Kaviok, about her experiences with polar bears. We end with an Inuit story about polar bears, read by ICA Steering Committee Member and Inuk/Mi’kmaq youth, Bryanna R. Brown.

We want to recognize that some of the audio for this episode was pulled from a webinar co-hosted by Keepers of the Water, Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps, Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre, and Indigenous Climate Action.

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Jeff Wastesicoot comes from Pimickamack Cree Nation (Cross Lake Manitoba). He has served as a Language consultant and knowledge Keeper for many years. Jeff continues to dedicate much of his time to helping people overcome personal challenges through ceremonies, traditional medicines and counseling. He has dedicated his life to the preservation of the Nehiyew language and culture. 

Daphie Pooyak identifies as a Nakota Cree traditional teacher and cultural advisor, Daphie comes from Sweetgrass First Nation located in central Saskatchewan. Mother of 5 children and grandmother of 4 grandchildren. Over the course of 20 years she has worked as a professional educator specializing in cultural education, and land based learning. Also working in the area of addictions, healing and trauma.  

Ruth Kaviok is an Inuk youth from Arviat, Nunavut. Ruth is the former president of the National Inuit Youth Council and has travelled to various places all over the world to speak about Inuit rights and the effects of climate change on Inuit communities. 

Bryanna R. Brown is Inuk and Mi’kmaq from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. She is a Labrador Land Protector. My vision is to be a good role model for her community by providing her insights regarding social justice issues, intergenerational trauma affecting indigenous communities, climate injustice, systemic racism, and cultural revitalization.

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The story Bryanna read is called “Children Getting Lost” and was taken from the book Inuit Legends, edited and illustrated by Mark Kalluak

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The ICA Pod team is made up of Lindsey Bacigal, Morningstar Derosier, and Brina Romanek.