Celebrating Winter Solstice – December Special Message
Posted on December 10, 2022
December is often an anticipated time for First Nation Educators and Administrators, as this month begins a season filled with celebrating the values of love, family, and relationships. Traditionally, First Nations’ cultures have marked and celebrated the day that the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in the longest night of the year. During this time of extended darkness, many of our First Nations continue to practice inner reflections of: teachings, interconnectedness, and forgiveness. It is a time of letting go and planning forward for the new season of rebirth in the spring when the sun begins to regain its power in the Northern Hemisphere.
FNEAA 2ND Storyteller Awards – Adiso’kewinini on February 15, 2023.
It is with great excitement that the First Nations Education Education Administrators Association (FNEAA) will host the Second Annual Storyteller Awards – Adiso’kewinini on February 15, 2023. First Nations children (up to age 14) and First Nations youth (aged 15 to 30) who are currently attending school will be invited to submit videos and artwork that tell stories of their First Nations cultures and everyday life. This is a great chance to showcase cultures in your communities and schools. Your submission will be featured on the FNEAA Storyteller Page Àdisὁkewinini in Algonquin Anishinaabemowin. Stay tuned for details on this innovative opportunity.
First Nations Storytelling Time
First Nations Storytellers, grandparents and Knowledge Keepers passed on knowledge from generation to generation through oral traditions, including storytelling. Storytelling season is commonly in the winter months during the short days and dark evenings. In many cultures, storytelling is prohibited during the summer months because it would distract plants from growing and distract animals from their summer work. December 21st will mark Winter Solstice.
Practice your storytelling or read an Indigenous book with your children and grandchildren. Pass on the stories you heard in your childhood from your family, parents and grandparents. Read a book by Indigenous authors and stories. This is a way to pass on values, cultures and languages to the next generation ensuring that First Nations traditions, cultures and practices will thrive and become alive.
Well Wishes from First Nations Education Administrators Association
The FNEAA Board of Directors and Staff would like to take this opportunity to wish all Educators and Education Administrators a wonderful season of celebrating the gifts of love and inclusiveness within your families and communities. May you all take time to; give thanks, reflect upon our spirits, and replenish our bodies in anticipation of a productive and progressive new year.
References
Culturally appropriate books are available at: https://goodminds.com/ . GoodMinds.com is a First Nations family-owned business, which is passionate about Indigenous education.