First Nations: Teachings & Practices

There are many things to learn as we seek to walk together respectfully with people of different cultures. First Nations Teachings and Practices, published by the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc., is a helpful tool for learning some of the traditional ways of the five linguistic groups of First Nations people in Manitoba, as well as other First Nations groups across North America. These teachings and practices may be new to many of us - and even raise questions for people of other cultures - but as we learn from Aboriginal elders, we can begin to feel the strength and resiliency of a colonized people who have never lost their strong desire to teach their young people who they are as Aboriginal people. Too many youth have lost their way over the years because they haven’t known who they were. Educational resources like this are meant to help First Nations youth find the “good way.” The rest of us can also use this tool to learn more about First Nations people and gain a respect for what their elders and teachers are envisioning. - Neill and Edith von Gunten, Mennonite Church Canada Native Ministry Directors