Page 90 - Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness

Voice Perspective Elizabeth Doxtater
A Tiny Drop of Water
A huge forest fire was burning. All the large forest animals watched in disbelief. Some were crying. Some were complaining. A
tiny hummingbird appeared. She fluttered her wings and listened to the animals for
a moment. She then flew away. When she returned, she had a tiny drop of water in her beak. She flew to the fire and placed the drop on the very top of the blaze. Some of the animals started laughing, “What do you think you’re doing?” The tiny bird replied, “I’m doing everything I can!”
The Tsyonhéhkwen dolls were my tiny drop of water. They remind whoever sees them that we come from a beautiful and rich culture that celebrates our values, knowledge, and pedagogies in our interactions with each other and all
of Creation.
Decolonizing is commonly used to describe this monumental journey toward wellness. However, this asserts that Indigenous communities require healing strategies to be produced, provided, and sanctioned by the colonizers. It ensures that colonizers remain at the centre.
Like Tsyonhéhkwen, we draw strength
from each other. As our journey continues, Indigenous peoples and treaty partners can work in a restorative manner toward true Indigenous educational wellness.
With treaty partners as allies and witnesses, we move forward together knowing that we are resilient. We will always be here, and we define ourselves. We know we can do anything. We move forward to a brighter future, knowing our collective potential.
Our Restorative Journey Together continues...
– Elizabeth Doxtater
Mohawk Turtle Clan
Six Nations Indian Reserve #40 Grand River Territory
82 Commemoration • Education • Healing/Wellness