Mnaasged Child and Family Services is energized and guided by the Sacred Bundle, the Vision Tree, and the Code of Ethics

The Sacred Bundle

Within the cultures and First Nations in the Mnaasged territory of Lunaapeew, Anishnawbe and Onkwehónwe, the following translation of the cultural teachings will serve as the determinants and guides to the work of Mnaasged. (Member Nations)

The Onkwehónwe, Anishnawbe and Lunaapeew speak about Natural Law as the teachings that define the sacredness of life. It is the principles or values that govern human relations and the relations between humans and the natural world, the land, the animals and the spirit world all of which contribute and create balance of life.

The Sacred Bundle is an expression and extension of those Natural Laws. Sacred bundles have historically been used to extend the teachings to the next generation, reminders of the traditional oral transmission of the teachings that travel from one generation to the next. It is within this spirit that this bundle is created to acknowledge the Natural Law of each of the First Nations combining their teachings to create an indigenous foundation of spiritual law guiding human interaction and relations in the caring

and helping of children and their families.

In cultures with oral traditions, the history, culture, language and laws are woven together in story and ideological expression of a way of life unique to those who continue to dialogue from one generation to the next. The first bundle is our own entrance to this world in the womb of our mothers. In that state each child is a sacred bundle entering the world at the time spirit enters the human body giving life to the being. Each spirit of the child finds their parents; the ones who will guide and offer the love for the child. In this understanding each child is considered a gift from Creator and birthing is a spiritual act of Creation.

In the beginning of human existence dreams guided the people, representing existence of the spiritual, helping to maintain the connection to the past and future through the dream state. It is important to acknowledge the role of dream in Anishnawbe/ Onkwehónwe daily life. Each of the teachings began in the dream, the spirit or energy that connects all of life. It is here we are given the direction of law drawn from the values and principles of life rooted in the ancient teachings. The Indigenous person knows this to be true given the reality of one’s existence in an invaded world in which colonialist attempted to destroy the native cultures.

As an example of natural relational law, information will be provided on the clan systems that govern family relations. For a family and children’s agency among the indigenous populations this is critical knowledge of the immediate cultures of the region.

The clan system for the Haudenosaunee came soon after Creation in a story about a young boy having a dream and gave direction to the formation of the clans. It was the grandmothers who were sent off to find their totem which became the clan expression. From that moment on the clans followed the maternal side of the family. For the Haudenosaunee you are what your mother is.

The Haudenosaunee have a tradition based on law – the Great law - Kaianerekowa – a series of stories about the origins of the teachings of the great law. It is not codified but expressive in narrative fashion presenting a story of the customs leaving one to interpret a tradition or way to respond to situations. Law is the result of the spiritual unfolding of story, the understanding, the direction for relations with others and Creation. In relational law each indigenous person belongs to a clan – an extension of one‘s immediate family that is not defined by blood relations but by totem clan connected to many generations. For the Haudenosaunee the mother is the root of the clan totem. We are the clan of our mothers. That is a simple law but defines all relations. It is from that understanding Mnaasged is

informed to uphold and offer the original connection of indigenous family.

For the Anishinabe, the clan (dodem) flows from the father. Within their teachings the father was given the responsibility of giving clans to the families.

“The Creator gave the Earth’s Original people, through the great prophet and teacher in (the Clan

System). The Law of Clans had been given to The People as a way of sacred knowledge and order

– a system that became a government framework for the unity, strength and social order of the

Nation. The clan system became the way in which people could and did maintain individual and

collective identity without separation from the village, tribe or the nation. The clan system was a

complete democracy…given the right and voice to all the People…the right and voice for women,

children, young and old and the unborn.”

“There were seven original clans. Each clan was given a “seat” in the Lodge, and with that place they were given their gifts to best serve the people.” For the Lunaapeew people they are organized into three clans determined by matrilineal descent. Territory was collective, but divided by clan. At the time of European contact, the Lunaapeew practiced large-scale agriculture, their primary crop being varieties of maize. They also practiced hunting and the harvesting of seafood.

As knowledge and understanding grows more of the teachings will be documented constructing natural law that will guide Mnaasged in its work with children and families. Mnaasged will appoint Elders to council and continue the work of interpretation, teaching and understanding the natural laws guiding human relations.

Settler state laws appear differently written in code, enacted by legislative bodies, interpreted by the courts, enforced by assigned agencies. Natural Law is similar but the critical difference is the onus is greater on the indigenous person to “carry the bundle” or be responsive to the law. The broad spectrum of indigenous law can be sourced to those teachings but for this document it will address those teachings that speak to children, families, clans and communities. An important source has been the staff of Mnaasged who contributed from their experience and knowledge.

Teachings and Understanding of Each Items of the Bundle

The 4 Elements - Water, Fire, Earth, Air

The natural elements of Mother Earth provide the teachings of

water, earth, fire and air working together to bring balance for our existence. In acknowledging these elements one understands that each contribute to life creating the balance and wholeness of one’s existence. Each element gives a teaching about the role and responsibilities of

men (fire) and women (water). These are the teachings referenced as the original seven teachings of each nation that are the source of men (fire) and women (water) teachings. These are the teachings referenced as the original seven teachings of each nation that find their source within those elements and connected to the original stories of each culture. Those natural elements are a constant reminder of our relationship to mother earth and through the

teachings we are reminded of the value and importance of family relationships.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

These teachings create the philosophical foundation to the vision and direction of the organization. These teachings will continue to energize and nourish the programming and work with children and families. Mother Earth Survival tools inform the programs about helping the people to grow, to be warm, be healthy and connected.

The 4 Medicines – Cedar, Tobacco, Sage, Sweet grass

The 4 original medicines of this region carry the teachings of: prayer to help us on our life journey. Offering to elders, to ceremonies, to plants and feasting. These medicines are for cleansing, guidance, protection of ourselves as helpers and community members; for the families and children and the organizational vision. Tobacco is considered the lead medicine and is used very differently from western society. Each medicine has a defined purpose and utilized accordingly to each nation’s teachings.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

It is encouraged during the delivery of the following services the medicines will be used for; Self Care, Rieke Training, Healing Services, Therapy Services, and Healing Families. The teachings of the medicines remind the people that these gifts from the natural world are there for wellness and wholeness of the individual, family and community. In using them as a smudge it reminds the people of the importance of

keeping the relations pure.

The 3 Sisters – Corn, Beans, Squash

The 3 Sisters teaching comes from the Haudenosaunee culture of the original foods given to the people that are central to the ceremonial culture of the Longhouse. For this bundle they are acknowledge to recognize the original foods of each culture that provide Family proper nourishment and growth. The original foods are also a reminder of the importance of women teachings as life givers/providers. Growing original foods and gathering the natural foods help continue what the Anishnawbe refer to the Good Life in our communities. The natural foods encourage love of children and families reminding us that no one is to be left out and we must make room for all the people including the teachings of traditional adoption into our families.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

From these teachings one learns very practical ways of taking care of families. The teachings express the importance of providing programming about life skills (cooking healthy meals, sewing, and quilting) and all skills to keep the families together.

Berries

Strawberry is considered by the Haudenosaunee to be the original berry a direct gift from the Creator highly prized as a spiritual medicine. All Berries are the first fruit of the natural foods and in the different cultures they have a specific role in ceremonies and are primarily one of the first gifts of spiritual sustenance – food for the spirit. These special foods are acknowledging the importance of the spiritual value of life and our relations. Again these teachings also represent Woman’s Medicine and the importance of mothers in the indigenous family systems.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

Within the organization and programming special time will be spend to encourage through community Socials, pow wows, Culture Camps, family/clan gatherings the importance of spiritual teachings in bring balance to the whole family.

Turtle Rattle

In the Creation Story it is told that the rattle sound is the first noise of the universe during creation. This teaching is a reminder of the cycle of life we journey through each year of 13 moons. It is a reminder that everyone needs to balance their time of working and caring of the holistic person.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

Planning of events, keeping order of schedules through a planning process that links with natural occurrences in the communities, that are ceremonial and seasonal. The annual work plan for the year works in conjunction with the natural events of each community. The special times of the year for healing of the people will be honoured.

Drum

The Drum represents the Heartbeat of original mother - Mother Earth whether it is a Big drum, water drum, or hand drums, all drums will provide a source of teachings for Mnaasged. Music and the sound of the drum will assist the programs in the caring and love of the children and families. This is a reminder of the relations encompassing the universe. The sound of the drum is at the center of bringing people together creating positive energy of pride, joy and calmness among the People. It is also a reminder for the organization to be in rhythm with the Heartbeat of our organization of Balance, Strength and Supportiveness. The sound is also a reminder to acknowledge past staff members e.g. Sam George and all of his teachings he has brought to Mnaasged. Acknowledging the teachings of the trees and animals that give the gifts as part of the drum to help us stay connected in our relations to each other and the natural world.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

The sound of the drum is a reminder that each person is to carry a Song for their personal wellness and to share with others. Music must be included in the teachings of to the youth.

Eagle Feather

The gift from the eagle has given its life to offer a feather provides a sacred item to help people. The eagle is a special being and considered to be the head of all the birds and spoken of as a guardian of the spirit. This gift is used to sends prayer to creator, gathering of wisdom and guide in the circle of Elders. The feather provides a teaching of the life path, the distractions to the good life and wandering off the path but there is always opportunity to return to the good life

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

The eagle feather reminds board, staff and persons served, of the strength, original purpose and encouragement in the exercise of each native’s right of self determination in the safe, protective caring of the children. The teachings of the connecting bond of strength and integrity come from the duties of the eagle the first guardian of the people warning of impending danger. This teaching will continue to remind MCFS of the truth of keeping our children in our Communities.

Deer Hide - Leather

The Deer is the original source of clothing for the First Nations of the eastern woodlands. The deer is considered by many to be the head of animal relations because of the significant role as providers of clothing, shelter, tools and decorative symbols. The spirit of the deer is a humble kind reminder of giving to others. The kindness of the deer represents the innocence of the child always giving joy to others.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

This teaching influences the following program by encouraging programs like PJ’s for kids, coats for kids and to acknowledge the importance of the basic needs of children and families in the continuous cycle of life.

Quilt

The Quilt is a symbolic representation illustrating our clans, families and each Nation joining together as a collective action in warmth, supportive, safety and protective comfort of rebuilding families and the original protection of the children. The Quilt of Mnaasged symbolizes a holistic mission founded on truth and transparency rooted within the original familial systems of the First Nations.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

The quilt reminds Mnaasged of our original mandate of protection of children and families through the offering of Services that protect, secure and foster indigenous children and parental programming.

Cradle Board

The tikinagan (Anishinaabemowin) is the original home for the caring for babies for the first few months of a child’s life. The child was wrapped and placed on the cradle board. The wrapping of the child was done as an extension of the womb while the child grew in warmth and comfort. From the cradleboard the child could view the world from an upright position. The cradleboard was a transitional form of caring helping the child to enter the world in equal terms. The cradleboard is a loving instrument of caring guiding the spiritual wellness of the child. This cradle board will be the Keeper of our bundle.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

The cradleboard represents the strength, caring and giving that is all part of the nurturing of early childhood. The teachings will inform parenting classes on the importance of the detail in child rearing at the early stages of development. The cradleboard teachings guide the organization about security and protectiveness of the children.

Moccasins

Moccasins are symbolic of the good path reminding the people of the importance of the original teachings. The moccasins represent the path the baby will take guided by the teachings. These first moccasins acknowledge the spirit world and the future that the child will journey. The moccasins also symbolize those who have walked before us.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

A gift of first moccasins will be given to welcoming babies into this world through referrals. (all children will be comforted by being given moccasins) The path the child is taking represents the duties and obligations of protection, helping/supporting children and family to

walk in a good way. They are also a reminder to all staff about Self Care of your own path; walking the right way as staff (to carry the teachings) and not to criticize others.

The Pipe

The pipe is the principle representation of the cultures, providing the teachings of peace, reconciliation, doorway to the

spiritual realm, and a way for the people to offer their tobacco to Creator.

How the Teaching Influences the Organization and Programs

The pipe carries with it the responsibilities and obligations of the cultures. Within each culture there is a story of the importance of the pipe in the ceremonial aspects of life. For Mnaasged the pipe forever will be a reminder that the original cultures will be the guiding force of the organization.

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